Re-Invest In National Service

For the last 8 years President Bush has paid patriotic lip service to national service while cutting programs and squandering Americans desire to serve domestically following 9/11.

Many Americans have the desire and willingness to serve domestically, they simply need a strong leader to pave the way. A leader like President Roosevelt who created the National Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. A leader with the vision of President Kennedy who created the Peace Corps, or Johnson who created Volunteers in Service to America. Once again America needs a President that is willing to invest in national service and the future of our communities.

In the last 4 years the federal agency that funds AmeriCorps, the Corporation for National and Community Service, has seen its budget slashed by over $105 million dollars. President Bush has continually signed off on legislation that has reduced the number of full-time AmeriCorps members at a time when our communities need it the most. There are now more Americans applying to serve than positions are available.

AmeriCorps members tutor and mentor some of the 14 million school age kids that have no supervised place to go after school. They help care for the 56 million people that lack access to healthcare. They clean our rivers and streams to ensure Americans have safe drinking water. They protect our forests from devastating fires. They provide much needed relief to those directly affected by natural disasters, and they organize volunteers to do the same.

Senator Obama has been an outspoken proponent of national service, and has outlined an extensive plan to increase opportunities to serve domestically. His plan entails tripling the number of AmeriCorps members, and doubling the Peace Corps. Senator Obama has also proposed the most innovative program of any candidate with what he calls the “Green Job Corps.” Green Job Corps would create an energy-focused jobs program to provide disadvantaged youth with service opportunities addressing energy use while getting practical experience in a fast growing career field.

Not only has Senator Obama crafted sound national service policy, he has also shown an ability to energize youth like few other politicians past or present. Obama has the vision and Kennedy-esk charisma required to re-invest in America’s long history of national service.