What's Wrong with Youth Service? (Occasional Papers)

The resurgence of national interest in youth service is due, in large part, to the national organizations that have grown so vigorously in recent years. Some explanations for the almost sudden reappearance of youth service as a nationwide issue are:(1) many American are fed up with narcissism, personal gratification and me centered pursuits; (2) Americans have discovered that they are no longer number 1 in the world; (3) the nation's leaders in industry, government and the media have faced the potentially disastrous shortage of productive young people; (4) children and youth suffer from deficits in learning skills and self esteem; and (5) a growing body of research shows again that education should include both schooling and experience. Along with the growing interest in, and popularity of, youth service go a number of pitfalls of which leaders in the youth service movement need to be aware. Service should not be seen as a way of "privatizing" the financing and provision of major public services. Service is not cost free, but requires the outlay of additional dollars even though it creates tax savings and public savings. Service programs must be quality programs. Youth service must become an integral part of the formal education process. Finally, service should not be viewed as little more than another form of philanthropy or social responsibility. Every young person is a potential contributor.