Obama stresses the need for national service
President Obama should be commended for signing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act today, a bill that will more than triple the number of AmeriCorp volunteers to over 250,000. By fulfilling one of his campaign promises in spite of a dire recession, Obama is stressing the need for national service. AmeriCorps places volunteers in a wide range of community-oriented service activities, from tutoring to low income house building, and supports already established programs like the Boys and Girls Club and the American Red Cross.
In addition to expanding the pool of volunteers, the bill will create new youth programs and create more opportunities, including the Summer of Service program, where middle and high school students can earn $500 for college costs by volunteering. Americans who are 55 and older can also volunteer in the public and non-profit sectors, under this new act.
We, as Americans, ought to be commended for our community service. Programs like Americorps and the Peace Corps provide invaluable learning experiences that, in turn, aid communities in need. Many graduates of these programs go on to become successful and contributing members of society, from senior government officials and representatives and Senators to business executives. Communities are uplifted by the compassion of everyday Americans, creating goodwill to go all around.
Steven,
This is a very thoughtful and well written piece. I am pleased that you appreciate the benefits of community service. It’s undeniable that our world would be a much less hopeful place without it, for there are countless people stuck in situations (by no fault on their part) who depend on the kindness of others to make it ahead.
Thanks for writing this.
I’ve been a volunteer for years. My kids are teens and have been volunteering in various community activities for years. (for free no monetary incentive) I think its a reasonable service to give back to a country who has given so much to us.
I was in 4-H for ten years and definately think that it helped to shape me into the responsible adult I became. I agree with the article, I just wish that the money was spread to more groups than the ones mentioned above, such as 4-H, Boys Scouts, etc. Not that I don’t think the Peace Corps or other groups like that are less important, just that the other groups could use a portion of that money right now as well.
So what exactly does this bill do? Does “creates programs” essentially boil down to throwing money at the issue? Besides finances, how can the government help? I can’t speak for 30 years ago, but I definitely get the feeling that selfishness and complacency are endemic among peers and younger (currently undergrad college student).
So is the answer then to nationalize community service? Is anyone else is asking whether or not the government has any business doing so?
Ted, I second your bit about selfishness brought on by humanist dogma running rampant in the education systems.
Maybe I’m being overly cynical about this act - can someone fill me in on actual details? How is Americorps going to receive more volunteers? What does such a program actually look like?
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