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The following letter to the editor from Steven Culbertson, President & CEO of Youth Service America, appears in the February 25th issue of TIME Magazine: "I commend TIME and Rick Stengel for recent cover stories recognizing the powerful role that service plays in political engagement, academic achievement and workforce readiness. It is natural for youth to care (and vote) once they understand the issues beyond the schoolyard. The key to expanding this movement is to make sure that young Americans from all backgrounds and every grade have the same opportunity to bring their energy, commitment, idealism and creativity to the big problems facing our country and the world." To read the extended version available only here, click read more below.
I commend TIME and Rick Stengel for recent cover stories recognizing the powerful role that service plays in political engagement, academic achievement, and workforce readiness. Youth Service America encourages organizations to engage young people in service, and during the last 20 years the volunteering rate of American teenagers has doubled. The recent surge in youth voting, therefore, comes as no surprise. Programs such as AmeriCorps and Peace Corps are popular because parents, teachers, and community and faith leaders have helped young Americans find their voice, take action, and have impact on important community problems. Service-learning is a teaching strategy that integrates meaningful community service with schoolwork, helping students make connections between the classroom and the real world. It is natural for youth to care (and vote) once they have an understanding of the issues beyond the schoolyard. The key to expanding this movement is to make sure that young Americans from all backgrounds and every grade have the same opportunity to bring their energy, commitment, idealism, and creativity to the big problems facing our country and the world. |
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