March 30, 2009 | Read Time: 1 minute
Does America need a new call for public service?
Michelle Nunn, chief executive of the Points of Light Institute, says yes, while Brian Brown, a research associate at the Heritage Foundation, says no.
In opinion articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the two nonprofit officials debate President Obama’s support for volunteering and national-service programs.
Ms. Nunn writes that Mr. Obama’s efforts build on a long history of American civic action and would help the thousands of struggling charities that have been hit hard by the recession.
Mr. Brown counters that while the spirit of public service is strong in the United States, it is hurt when the government tries to organize volunteerism.
For now, most lawmakers seem to agree with Ms. Nunn. Last week the Senate approved the Serve America Act, which will greatly increase the number of Americans who participate in national-service programs.
Read The Chronicle’s articles about the legislation and a measure that was included in a version of the bill that would have limited the political activities of some nonprofit groups.
What do you think of national service? Do you agree with Ms. Nunn or Mr. Brown? Click on the comment button below to share your views.
