What Do Our 2008 Candidates Have to Say about National Service by College Students?
On September 11-12, 2008, a ServiceNation Summit was held in New York City, bringing together 500 leaders to celebrate the power and potential of citizen service, and lay out a bold policy blueprint for addressing Americas greatest social challenges through expanded opportunities for volunteer and national service. The Summit began with a forum at which each presidential candidate shared his views on service. Barack Obama issued A Call to Service, and John McCain outlined a plan Inspiring Citizens to Do More. Of particular interest to universities: • John McCain would expand opportunities for national service; engage more college students in community service through the Federal Work-Study Program; and create a Service to America initiative focused on civics education. McCain is an original co-sponsor of the Hatch-Kennedy Service Bill. McCains positions on service. • Barack Obama would expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 slots to 250,000, providing more opportunities for students to qualify
