After last week's column reporting Idaho's poor rating for homeless children, it's good to know this state also ranks among the highest for Peace Corps volunteers per capita, according to The Peace Corps' 2013 rankings. We have 4.4 volunteers for every 100,000 residents, making Idaho seventh nationwide.

"No matter where they start their journey, through their experience Peace Corps volunteers show the world the compassion, tolerance and dedication to service that has always characterized the American people," Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said in a Dec. 11 press release.

Vermont retains the No. 1 spot (7.8 per capita). Next are Washington, D.C. (7.6), New Hampshire (5.5), Oregon (5.2), Colorado (4.8), Washington (4.8), Idaho, Minnesota (3.8), Wisconsin (3.7), and Montana (3.6). Idaho climbed three spots from its rank of No. 10 in 2012.

Who says Idahoans aren't globally minded?

One Idaho volunteer (from Twin Falls) taught math this year in a small village in Ghana. Another might help plant rice in Panama, help with rescue efforts after a hurricane in the Philippines, or work with at-risk youth on the Grenadine island of St. Vincent. Volunteers serve three months to two years. They may be highly trained (e.g., engineering - all types, agriculture, construction, infrastructure/utility systems, medicine), have special experience (setting up small businesses, building community centers, teaching, working with children or victims of violence), have desired language skills, or they may be less skilled but eager to help others.

Women volunteers outnumber men (63 and 37 percent respectively). The average age is 28, but the minimum is 18 and nearly 10 percent are older than 50.

The one thing required of all is compassion. Volunteers describe the Peace Corps experience as life-defining. They call it a growth opportunity, a uniquely beautiful learning experience, hard work, even a resume-booster - but always, always enriching.

Since Sen. John F. Kennedy first challenged University of Michigan students in 1960 to serve the cause of peace by working in developing countries, more than 215,000 Americans have served in 139 countries. Visit PeaceCorps.gov to learn more, apply, or donate.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholeh@cdapress.com.