A Mobilized Youth Movement
The 2008 presidential race drummed up enthusiasm and
involvement among people - young and old - more than any other
election in modern history. And President-elect Obama is calling
on today's youth to keep the public service movement
alive.
Kids of all ages have seen what working together for a cause can
accomplish - and they want more. Now, preschoolers to teens feel
more empowered than ever to do their part. The
president-elect's public service plan calls for a required 50
hours of community service each year for all middle- and
high-school students. Plus, new and expanded programs could offer
many volunteer opportunities for adolescents. A new Green Job Corps
aims to put disadvantaged teens to work weatherizing homes and a
YouthBuild Program could get kids busy helping to construct
affordable housing. And for the college set: A proposed hefty
$4,000 tax credit for students logging 100 hours of community
service per year.
What to Watch:
As new in-school programs reach out to young kids and time-honored
organizations like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps likely to garner more
funding and start drawing more eager applicants, we could see a
public service ripple effect that lasts for years. More and more
kids may start thinking about their post-graduation time in
different, more socially aware ways, too. Of course, when the new
administration's proposed goals might go into effect remains to
be seen. But one thing's for sure: As kids and teens continue
to give their time for worthy causes, these young humanitarians
will grow up understanding the power of helping out and knowing
that they can make a big difference.
For Kids:
Be a Volunteer
Why I Give: Freddi's Story
For Teens:
Volunteering
For Parents:
Community Service: A Family's Guide to Getting Involved
Getting Kids to Give: Lynda's Story
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