09/16/08 Community Service

Not since the 1930's and 40's has this nation been faced with such immense financial, environmental, and personal challenges. From the downward spiral of the American dollar and her financial institutions, to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American dream has definitely taken a beating. One would think that the urge to flee like rats on a sinking ship would be utmost in most everyone's minds, but not surprisingly the American public is doing just the opposite. The sense of commitment to country and community is greater than ever. In fact the Census Bureau reports that there were a million more community service volunteers in 2007 than in 2002. One million! That's a lot of volunteers, and they're not just baby boomers. Millennials are volunteering in record numbers citing that, "making a difference by helping others", is a number one goal. Both presidential candidates promise to make national service a top priority for their administrations. For America, national service is as old as this nation and as new as each generation that steps up to give of themselves for their country and community.