Alan Khazei writes: One idea that has been missing in the race for President so far, could transform America -- voluntary universal national service



By the time the next President takes office, we will have had 20 years of bipartisan commitment to national service. Over that time, a quiet service revolution has taken root. Americans of all ages are volunteering in record numbers, 65.4 million in 2005 up from 59.5 million in 2002. This May, AmeriCorps will enroll its 500,000th member, and more than 187,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps. These programs are so popular that every year thousands of volunteers have to be turned away. Consider how a new Universal Service GI Bill could reunite our nation while instilling an ethic of shared sacrifice and civic responsibility. Think of how a million new young volunteers a year - just one in four graduating high school seniors -- could transform our communities at home and our image abroad. Imagine how in the words of Langston Hughes, we would "Let America be America again."

Alan Khazei writes: One idea that has been missing in the race for President so far, could transform America -- voluntary universal national service

Alan Khazei: Enough with the "Money Primary" Let's Move on to the Big Ideas Primary

Alan Khazei Sat Apr 7, 7:32 PM ET

[Excerpt]

One idea that has been missing in the debate so far, could transform America -- voluntary universal national service.

By the time the next President takes office, we will have had 20 years of bipartisan commitment to national service. Over that time, a quiet service revolution has taken root. Americans of all ages are volunteering in record numbers, 65.4 million in 2005 up from 59.5 million in 2002. This May, AmeriCorps will enroll its 500,000th member, and more than 187,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps. These programs are so popular that every year thousands of volunteers have to be turned away.

The response to 9/11, the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, showcased the true spirit of America as ordinary citizens spontaneously rallied to donate billions, give blood and help rebuild shattered homes and lives. It is time to unleash this powerful desire to serve-- our greatest natural renewable resource--by making service opportunities universal.

Already, service programs are having a significant impact. In one five-year period, AmeriCorps volunteers tutored 4.4 million children, built 11,000 homes, shepherded 1 million children into after school programs, and assisted 2.5 million senior citizens. Studies have shown that Americans who serve are more likely to vote, volunteer, and contribute to causes.

Eighty-two percent of college-age Americans believe that service is an effective way to solve important issues facing their communities. Our youngest voters get this. What about our next president?

All of the candidates will undoubtedly talk about the need to unite America and unleash its idealistic spirit, but will they propose anything bold and specific to take this service revolution to scale?

How about a new voluntary Universal Service GI Bill? After World War II, the GI Bill redefined America by helping millions of veterans get a college education, buy homes, and start businesses. It turned out to be one of the best investments America ever made, delivering an estimated $7 in economic benefits for every dollar spent, drawing veterans into the civic life of the nation they had shed blood for, and helping drive the inequality gap to its lowest point in the 20 th century.

A new GI Bill for service would produce similar results by calling on all young people to volunteer to serve their country for at least one year. It would be voluntary in that each person would choose whether or not to serve. But it would be universal in that everyone who desired to serve would have an opportunity to do so. And with a strong, new "Uncle Sam Needs You" campaign, the expectation that each citizen should contribute something back to their community and country would be meaningful and palpable.

This new GI Bill would offer a wide array of service opportunities: from the Armed Forces, to AmeriCorps, to the Peace Corps. Those who chose military service would boost military recruiting and help relieve the pressure for repeated deployments now overwhelming military families.

An expanded AmeriCorps, from 75,000 to one million, could supplement first-responders during national emergencies, and help close the gaps in our social safety net: immunizing at-risk children, providing safe after school opportunities, preserving our environment, spreading literacy, and improving education for our children.

A Peace Corps 100,000 members strong (up from the current 7500) could rebuild international goodwill while immersing Americans in the wisdom and subtleties of multiple cultures.

In return, for every year of full-time service, young Americans would receive a service award equal to one year of tuition, room, and board at a public university. It could be used at any school they choose public or private, or towards a down payment on a home, to secure a bank loan to start a business, or to match private sector donations to start a non-profit. Want to give and earn more? Serve more, up to four years. The American dream of a college education, home ownership, or becoming an entrepreneur would be made real for any citizen who is willing to earn it through service.

Consider how a new Universal Service GI Bill could reunite our nation while instilling an ethic of shared sacrifice and civic responsibility. Think of how a million new young volunteers a year - just one in four graduating high school seniors -- could transform our communities at home and our image abroad. Imagine how in the words of Langston Hughes, we would "Let America be America again."

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Headlines: April, 2007; National Service; Expansion; Peace Corps Library; Peace Corps Countries of Service; Peace Corps Original Sources; Bulletin Board; Peace Corps Headlines

When this story was posted in July 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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Dodd issues call for National Service Standing on the steps of the Nashua City Hall where JFK kicked off his campaign in 1960, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd issued a call for National Service. "Like thousands of others, I heard President Kennedy's words and a short time later joined the Peace Corps." Dodd said his goal is to see 40 million people volunteering in some form or another by 2020. "We have an appetite for service. We like to be asked to roll up our sleeves and make a contribution," he said. "We haven't been asked in a long time."

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Public diplomacy rests on sound public policy When President Kennedy spoke of "a long twilight struggle," and challenged the country to "ask not," he signaled that the Cold War was the challenge and framework defining US foreign policy. The current challenge is not a struggle against a totalitarian foe. It is not a battle against an enemy called "Islamofascism." From these false assumptions flow false choices, including the false choice between law enforcement and war. Instead, law enforcement and military force both must be essential instruments, along with diplomacy, including public diplomacy. But public diplomacy rests on policy, and to begin with, the policy must be sound. Read more.

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Suspect confesses in murder of PCV Search parties in the Philippines discovered the body of Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell near Barangay Batad, Banaue town on April 17. Director Tschetter expressed his sorrow at learning the news. “Julia was a proud member of the Peace Corps family, and she contributed greatly to the lives of Filipino citizens in Donsol, Sorsogon, where she served,” he said. Latest: Suspect Juan Duntugan admits to killing Campbell. Leave your thoughts and condolences .

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The Peace Corps Library The Peace Corps Library is now available online with over 40,000 index entries in 500 categories. Looking for a Returned Volunteer? Check our RPCV Directory or leave a message on our Bulletin Board. New: Sign up to receive our free Monthly Magazine by email, research the History of the Peace Corps, or sign up for a daily news summary of Peace Corps stories. FAQ: Visit our FAQ for more information about PCOL.

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