John McCain Unveils National Service Proposal September 23, 2008
Posted by aaronjmarquez in Uncategorized.add a comment
Senator John McCain recently unveiled his national service proposals on his :
John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds – military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international – can renew America’s civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism.
In addition the site also prominently announces that Senator McCain is an orginal Co-Sponsor of the . The bill would expand AmeriCorps by 175,000 annual service slots; expand Service Learning opportunities; encourage social entrepreneurship; establish a Civic Health Index; create Serve America and Encore Fellowships; launch a Volunteer Generation Fund; expand Volunteers for Prosperity and the Peace Corps.
Congressional Campaign Update September 17, 2008
Posted by aaronjmarquez in Uncategorized.add a comment
As of September 17, 2008, the following candidates from both parties have signed the Congressional Pledge to Expand National Service:
Senator McCain’s Acceptance Speech; controversy September 5, 2008
Posted by zachmaurin in Uncategorized.add a comment
Senator McCain officially accepted the republican nomination for president last night. McCain is a veteran and champion of all types of service having authored legislation to expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 members to 250,000 members after 9/11. However, my predictions of how often service would emerge in his speech fell very short. I was 1-for-3. However, this doesn’t reflect his support in the least. Just noting.
Odd Controversy?
Governor Palin’s speech has stirred controversy when she mocked the community organizing experience of Senator Obama, saying:
I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a “community organizer,” except that you have actual responsibilities.
Hopefully this was simply a rhetorical jab at her opponent and not her true feelings about those who serve their community and fellow citizen. Why she chose this topic is odd, especially since she has supported service programs in her state:
I encourage all Alaskans to join me in commending AmeriCorps volunteers for their dedication to Alaska communities.
- Governor Palin, Alaska Proclamation for AmeriCorps Week 2008
Plus, Alaska’s Office of Management and Budget that in 2007, 128 AmeriCorps members generated 5,759 additional volunteers. Seems like community service and community organizing are doing good work in Alaska and are taking on the responsibility of recruiting and managing volunteers at a ratio of 1 to 45.
