October 18, 2001 | Read Time: 2 minutes
The federal government’s AmeriCorps program, which provides college-age Americans with opportunities to work at nonprofit organizations, should be turned into a larger effort to make either civilian or military national service a “rite of passage” for young people, writes Sen. John McCain, Republican of Arizona, in The Washington Monthly (October), a public-policy magazine.
Young Americans are willing to serve their country for patriotic duty but lack the opportunity to feel a part of a nationwide movement, Senator McCain says. Though AmeriCorps has been successful in helping various social causes, it has failed to ignite an esprit de corps within its ranks, he says.
To create a sense of purpose, Senator McCain, a former Navy captain, suggests the federal program adopt practices similar to the military. AmeriCorps members should wear uniforms, perform daily calisthenics, learn how to speak in front of large audiences, live in former Army barracks, and continue to provide needed services to poor neighborhoods.
Senator McCain also urged his fellow Republicans to stop trying to dismantle AmeriCorps because it was started under President Bill Clinton’s administration. The program, which is run by the Corporation for National and Community Service and gives participants a small amount of money and college financial assistance in return for working with charities, should be embraced by conservatives as well as liberals, says the senator.
Senator McCain says he hoped the outpouring of volunteers and donations in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks could be used to reinforce the idea that a strong national-service program would fill a void for young Americans. To announce such a call to service, he said, the federal government should increase its financial support for AmeriCorps and provide incentives for foundations and colleges to contribute as well.
The article is available at: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features
/2001/0110.mccain.html
