Day two of the National Service Express tour saw 25 more committed citizens taking their first step to becoming advocates for National Service. Taking place at City Year, Inc’s Headquarters for Idealism in Boston, the group had a chance to hear from Michael Brown, co-founder & CEO of City Year. Sharing his experience of nearly 20 years in the National Service movement, he spoke about the critical importance individuals play in social movements. And that change, especially positive change, only occurs when committed individuals take bold actions.
Hearing stories from those in the room — an AmeriCorps alum who has also served his country in the Marines, current AmeriCorps volunteers who are eager to learn about how they can help the National Service movement grow, and those who only know about National Service through the stories of the family and friends — put into perspective what National Service means to people, and communities.
An expansion of National Service programs means more role models, both young and old, who have a chance to make a positive impact. More young people get a chance to attend college after gaining valuable skills and earning an education award. More young children are tutored and more high school students graduate. And more people have a chance to participate in and witness citizens answering President Kennedy’s challenge to Americans nearly 50 years ago, months before creating the Peace Corps: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
