It is fair to say that Haykush and I consider ourselves unlikely pin-up material, particularly perhaps in this picture. Nonetheless, we are the poster girls for this year’s Peace Corps Armenia Annual report, and thus we are big in Washington DC. In addition to sliding across the desk of our new Agency director at Peace Corps HQ, we may appear in the pigeon holes and in-trays of every Member of Congress with an interest in our agency’s budget and impact. Thank goodness our results are impressive. This may make up for the shock our Senate appointee and elected representatives experience when they see my toothy grin and Haykush’s stony stare. What next? Spare tires on the Pirelli calendar?

A poster is a good idea, even though I fear this one may not get much wall space in the Capitol or Administration buildings the length of Independence Avenue in Washington DC. A poster draws attention and leaves an impression, and it doesn’t require much reading. On the back, our poster does have lots of data–and pictures of my fellow PCVs in action– but I confess I haven’t read it, being more than averagely interested in the image on the other side ;). Based on what I know about annual reports, and all other kinds of promotional materials, it may never get read fully by anyone. But that is not the point. It is important it exists,  and indicates purpose, activity, results and heft at a glance. The beauty of a poster infographic is that purists can peruse it if they wish, and everyone else can stick pins in it, or use it in folded form to line the bottom of the budgie cage. Very few twigs and branches were sacrificed to make the paper used in this form of report.

In no other world would my face make it to A1 poster size but on Peace Corps Planet I’m the real deal: a face like mine indicates an interest in applications from older people, and simultaneously sends a message about the inclusivity of our organization. Thanks for choosing me Peace Corps Armenia.

Haykush and I are proud to represent.

You can download your own copy of the annual report here, and hang our poster where you can see it everyday. You’re welcome.