The cornerstone of the Obama administrations national service plans is legislation that will provide for the gradual increase of service slots from 75,000 to 250,000. The legislation also comes with a $5.7 billion dollar price tag.
Press releases claim the legislation, which President Obama is set to sign into law today, will “foster and fulfill people’s desire to make a difference.”
I fail to understand why there is a need for legislation and $5.7 million dollars to encourage service and volunteerism. I currently have limited my volunteering to a few local groups and one state organization. I do not need to be encouraged by the federal government to serve these organizations. I need only to know that these groups need my help and expertise. I go forward from there with my service.
Not to be a constant naysayer, I encourage you to find out what the legislation is about. I have included below several links to information about national service, including my own blog post regarding the National Service Forum last September 11th with the then presidential candidates.
Corporation for National & Community Service
ServiceNation Presidential Forum – my thoughts
April 21st, 2009 at 7:42 am
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