How will you serve? A Call for "Big Citizenship"
By Grace Thompson on 09/17/2010 @ 04:00 PM
"The language of citizenship suggests that self-interests are always embedded in communities of action and that in serving neighbors one also serves oneself." -Benjamin R. Barber
Today the Center for American Progress hosted Alan Khazei, social entrepreneur and author of “Big Citizenship: How Pragmatic Idealism Can Bring Out the Best in America.” Khazei co-founded City Year, in 1988, a national service program which employs 17-24 year olds as they spend a year doing full time service work in their communities.
Khazei’s program grew, and President Clinton described City Year as one of his models for Americorps, which was formed from the landmark Nation and Community Service Act (1990) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (1993).
Over 85,000 individuals join Americorps annually, but there are still many more young people who can serve. Khazei attributed a recent spike in volunteerism to the unemployment rate and an increase in youth engagement after the 2008 elections. The organization's goal is to eventually have 1 million volunteers per year. In 2009 President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will expand funding for these service programs and incentives for volunteers.
Impacting Our Community and Economy
National service programs require a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. Americorps relies on a 1 to 2 ratio between government funding and private matching donations, which means that private donations go the extra mile. However additional support is still needed. An expansion of these programs will be good for our unemployment rate and good for our communities. Khazei advocated for a “civilian GI bill,” financial and educational incentives for college students to serve their communities and receive tuition reductions. In addition, he spoke about incentives that businesses could offer- a paid week of service leave.
Today the youth unemployment rate is at 48.9%; it appears the younger you are, the harder it is to get a job. Programs like Americorps can help reduce this. They provide jobs, and make lasting impacts on those served and their communities. In addition, Khazei spoke about the importance of volunteerism from retired Americans. Americorps, and service, is for all ages.
Alan Khazei defined "big citizens" as those who “dedicate themselves to a cause greater than their own self interests.” National service programs give all people the means to become such citizens.
Click to find out more about Americorps, or a similar service program, Teach for America.
The No Limits Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means we cannot post material that is political or partisan. Comments or postings reflect the opinions of the author only, and in no way reflect the position of No Limits. No Limits does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. If you send a blog post to No Limits and we publish it on the site, we will note you as the author but we cannot pay for any submissions. Because of space considerations, not all posts submitted may be published. We are not responsible for the content of or for third party rights in material posted by you. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
