THE PEACE CORPS’ PROJECTION OF AMERICAN SOFT POWER: REAL OR WISHFUL THINKING?

DISCUSSION WITH RENE’ DAGUERRE-BRADFORD & ALLEN BRADFORD

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY:

Rene’, a native Long Islander, and Allen, a native Georgian, met while serving two-year stints as Peace Corps Volunteers in Sierra Leone in 1984. Rene’ was an Education Volunteer, working with primary school teachers, but also carved out a substantial role in health education at her local dispensary, providing workshops on oral rehydration, alternative baby foods and hygienic birthing conditions.  

 Allen was an Agriculture Program volunteer, working to develop inland valley swamp rice projects with communities and individual farmers. He also helped train new, incoming volunteers; researched and promoted innovative farming techniques; and coordinated efforts with other, non-Peace Corps programs. Rene’ and Allen have been married since 1991 and have two grown children. Now residing in Simsbury, CT, they remain in close touch with other RPCVs with whom they often exchange views on the value and contributions of the Peace Corps.

 Allen has been practicing law for 36 years with a focus on health care and small business issues. He earned his BA in history and remains an insatiable history buff. Rene’ is the office manager for the firm that Allen established in 2010, earned her degree in education and has worked as a public school teacher and Girl Scout field organizer.