September 20, 2007 | Read Time: 2 minutes
To build on American citizens’ growing desire to volunteer, the federal government should establish a comprehensive system of national service, says Richard Stengel in a Time magazine cover article (September 10).
“Devoting a year or more to national service, whether military or civilian, should become a countrywide rite of passage, the common expectation and widespread experience of virtually every young American,” Mr. Stengel says, adding that such a program could “create a common culture that will make a virtue of our diversity.”
Mr. Stengel says participation in national service would not be mandatory, but he outlines a 10-step plan the government could adopt to promote the concept, including creating a national-service “baby bond” where the government would invest $5,000 in an interest-earning account for every newborn American. These funds, which could be worth as much as $19,000 after 15 years, would be available only to people who commit to a year of military or civilian service by their 24th birthday. The government would keep the money if an individual opts not to serve.
The author would also make an office of national service a cabinet-level entity and establish an “institute of summer service” to provide volunteering programs for teenagers during their summer break from school. In addition, a “rapid response reserve corps” would be formed to train 50,000 volunteers to respond to national disasters, such as hurricanes.
To encourage older Americans to volunteer, Mr. Stengel suggests creating a “baby boomer education bond” program to award volunteers age 55 and older with $1,000 for every 500 hours of service they complete. The money would be placed in a scholarship fund for use by their grandchildren or other young relatives.
The cost of Mr. Stengel’s proposals tops $20-billion a year.
A commentary by Michael Kinsley takes a contrarian view, labeling Mr. Stengel’s plans “naïve,” and suggesting that free-market strategies are better suited to promoting and rewarding volunteerism.
The articles are available free online.
