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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: ACTION (2 of 2)
Box: 1
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
ACTION
AGENCY
THE
ÁCTION
FOR
ACTION
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
NOV 1-2 1981
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
OFFICE OF
THE DIRECTOR
Ask Pottinger to provide report on
church -velated activities
TO
:
Working Group on Voluntarism
FROM
:
Thomas Pauken, Director Jom Pauken
SUBJECT : Agenda for First Meeting
The first meeting of the working group on voluntarism will
take place on November 17, 1981, 11:00 a.m., in Room 330,
Old Executive Office Building and will be devoted to dis-
cussing the following set of proposed goals and proceures.
The goals of the working group on voluntarism are as follows:
I. To examine the existing use of and potential use of
volunteers in ongoing programs, in order to recommend
how their use can be expanded.
II. To develop and recommend alternatives to existing
federal service delivery programs that would include
the utilization of volunteers.
III. To develop and recommend the pump priming and
seed money programs to stimulate private in-
centives es and investment of which the President
spoke in his October 5 speech to the National
Alliance of Business.
Our recommendations on these matters will take the form of a
written report of the working group to the Cabinet Council.
In order to meet these goals each of us will need to survey and
examine in our own agencies and departments the following
(1) programs that use volunteers.
(2) programs that could use volunteers.
(3) possible numbers and scope of volunteer
effort in these programs.
(4) legislative, regulatory or policy impediments
to the use of volunteers.
PEACE CORPS
VISTA
UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION
NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
-2-
(5) alternatives to present service
delivery that could use volunteers.
(6) pump priming and seed money programs that
could stimulate private sector initiatives.
In each of these areas we should construe volunteer to mean
(a) part-time non-stipended volunteers, (b) part-time volun-
teers stipended at a low (i.e. below the minimum wage) rate,
or reimbursed for expenses such as transportation, (c) of
private citizens banding together to solve a common problem but
not necessarily connected to an organized volunteer structure
(e.g. parent drug prevention groups).
I propose the following timetable for our meetings.
(1) In two weeks we each report in writing on the
programs in our departments that use or could
use volunteers and on the potential for vol-
unteer use.
(2) We then discuss in the next two weeks the
genuine feasibility of the possibilities in
each area, and reach tentative conclusions.
(3) We then take two weeks to report on the
legislative, regulatory, and policy impediments
to the use of volunteers, discuss these issues
in the following two or three weeks and reach
tentative conclusions.
(4) We then take two weeks to prepare reports on
alternatives to present service delivery that
could use volunteers, discuss these alternatives
in the following two or three weeks, and reach
tentative conclusions.
(5) We then take two weeks to report on possible
pump priming and seed money programs, discuss
for two or three weeks, and reach tentative
conclusions.
(6) We then reexamine the whole package and draft
a final report of our recommendations to be
completed by the beginning of April.
WORKING GROUP ON VOLUNTARISM
Department of Health and Human Services
Betty Stagg
Office of Human Development Services
326E Hubert Humphrey Building
Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D. C. 20201
472-3073
Alternate: Annabel Smith - 625E Humphrey Building - 245-6036
Department of Agriculture
Pat Kearney
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Food and Consumer Services
Department of Agriculture
14th & Independence Avenues, S.W.
Washington, D. C. 20250
447-7711
and
James Hinchman, Associate General Counsel
Product Distribution and Assistance
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D. C. 20250
447-6883
Department of Education
Bob Brown
Office of the Secretary , Room 4181
Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. 20202
245-7821
Department of Labor
Lloyd (Chip) Aubry
Special Assistant to the Secretary
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20210
523-9073
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Emanuel S. (Steve) Savas
Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C. 20410
755-5600
Working Group on Voluntarism
Page Two
Department of Justice
Daniel F. Mann
Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Washington, D. C. 20530
633-4224
Office of Management and Budget
Katherine Yarbrough
Office of the Deputy Associate Director
Special Studies Division
Office of Management and Budget
Room 7236, New EOB
Washington, D. C. 20503
Council of Economic Advisers
Paul Rubin
Senior Staff Economist
Council of Economic Advisers
325 Old EOB
Washington, D. C. 20503
395-3375
ACTION
Thomas W. Pauken, Director
(SERVES AS CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP)
ACTION
806 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20525
254-3120
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
file
December 12, 1981
The President today announced the creation of The President's
Volunteer Action Awards to honor outstanding volunteer achievement
by individual citizens and their organizations.
The awards program is co-sponsored by VOLUNTEER, the National Center
for Citizen Involvement and ACTION in a unique cooperative effort
between the private sector and government.
The President will present the awards at a White House ceremony
in April. Awards will be made in seven categories: jobs, health,
material resources, education, recreation and the environment,
public safety, the arts and humanities.
In announcing the program, the President said, "Throughout our
history, Americans have always extended their hands to neighbors
in assistance. The energy expended by our citizens in problem-
solving is absolutely imperative to maintain and improve the
quality of life for all Americans. I believe this program of
recognition is vital to call attention both to what is being
done by American volunteers and to what can be done through
voluntary action."
VOLUNTEER is the primary national organization supporting
greater citizen involvement in problem-solving. It provides
a broad range of technical assistance services to volunteer-
involving organizations, public agencies, unions and corporations.
It works closely with a network of approximately 200 associated
Voluntary Action Centers and over 1,000 other local, state and
national organizations.
ACTION, the national volunteer agency, serves to stimulate
voluntarism and to demonstrate the effectiveness of volunteers
in addressing social problems. Its major programs include the
Foster Grandparent, Retired Senior Volunteer and Senior Companion
programs for the elderly and a variety of programs for youth.
The announcement of the program followed the first meeting of
the President's Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives, chaired
by William Verity, Chairman of Armco Steel. Two of VOLUNTEER's
board members, George Romney and Senator David Durenberger, (R-MN),
sit on that task force, as does Tom Pauken, Director of ACTION.
Official nomination forms are available by writing to The President's
Volunteer Action Awards, P.O. Box 37488, Washington, D.C., 20013.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is February 7.
###
A28
To: Shortly
WASHINGTON TALK
FR: verin
THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1981
Briefing
file
√ΓΓ
N some ways, James H. Burnley is
V
ICE President Bush reports the
the archetype of the Reagan ad-
Reagan Administration is hav-
ministrator: He has come to Wash-
ing trouble with the White House
ington from the Republican outlands
Christmas tree: "Every time someone
to close down the Federal agency over
puts it up, James Watt comes along
which he was appointed director, and
and chops it down." His Yuletide pat-
he shows a certain enthusiasm for the
ter, inserted lately in the usual Veep
task.
speechifying, also includes the flat
"I'm very comfortable with the
denial that David A. Stockman intends
phase-out," Mr. Burnley, director of
to declare tinsel a vegetable.
Vista, says of the plan to close down
his agency, the so-called domestic
H
OW ya gonna keep them down
Peace Corps. "Vista has done some
on the peanut farm after
good, but far too many projects took a
they've seen the Oval Office?
political approach to problems, the ap-
The question has become academic for
proach of confrontation, alienation,
Susan Clough, the smart and scrappy
division."
executive secretary to Jimmy Carter,
who has moved back up from Plains,
Mr. Burnley's adversaries out in the
Ga., where she had loyally shifted
Vista projects and in the American
after Ronald Reagan's election to help
Civil Liberties Union hardly doubt his
Mr. Carter set up his office in enforced
enthusiasm for phasing out the pro-
retirement. Friends say Miss Clough
gram. Now, in what the director plans
recently moved out, bag and baggage,
as the twilight of the agency, he has
from the old deacon's house in Plains
issued an order that henceforth Vista
and is preparing to begin a new career,
volunteers no longer be permitted to
far from the piney solitude. A long-
engage in any type of demonstration,
time Carter careerist, Miss Clough
and that the ban be effective around
was part of the memoir-writing, mail-
the clock, seven days a week. Since the
fetching operation whose rural isola-
agency was founded in the 1960's to
tion contrasted sharply with the vivid
deal with hard-core poverty, volun-
pace of incumbency.
teers have relied on public protest as a
Phil Wise, the former President's
standard tool, subject to their spon-
appointments secretary, also is re-
sor's approval during work hours, but
ported to be on the move from Plains.
to their own preference beyond that.
Even though be is a native of the area,
Mr. Burnley's mandate is that spon-
Mr. Wise is said to have decided to
sors bar volunteer demonstrations at
seek a new life apart from the fortunes
any hour because they would be
of Jimmy Carter. Informants cite the
counter to "the policy of the new feder-
melancholia, and some infighting, too,
alism" and might "antagonize impor-
even on the skeletal staff level, but
tant elements of the community"
such individual decisions are typical
needed for the new emphasis on the
for the transition that follows all ad-
private sector.
ministrations after power.
"No other agency has had the gall to
try this," said Arthur B. Spitzer, legal
director of the A.C.L.U.'s Washington
B
ANKERS and their lobbyists are
watching for a possible show-
office, which has gone to court seeking
down this morning among rank-
to block Mr. Burnley's directive as an
ing Administration officials over the
infringement on the volunteers' consti-
high-stakes problems of financial
tutional rights. Mr. Spitzer says it
deregulation. Treasury Secretary
would be "perfectly reasonable" to set
Donald T. Regan has been busily push-
limits on work-hour demonstrations,
ing forward on the subject in his role
but not on the workers' private lives.
as chairman of the Depository Institu-
Mr. Burnley argues that the volun-
tions Deregulation Committee, but
teers are unlike other Federal workers
James A. Baker 3d, the President's
in that they are involved round-the-
chief of staff, and Edwin J. Gray,
clock in their community roles.
deputy assistant to the President, are
known to have put counterpressure to
Critics contend the ban is part of the
slow the pace of deregulation.
Administration's use of incumbency
At issue is the schedule for terminat-
for philosophical vendetta, but the
ing interest rate ceilings on savings
issue may be moot for Mr. Burnley if
according to the mandate of Congress.
he has his way and the program is
Commercial bankers and savings ex-
phased out next year. Until he arrived
ecutives inevitably have rival notions
on the job last winter, Mr. Burnley did
on how quickly to do this, and the con-
not know termination was the Presi-
.flict is expected to be reflected in the
dent's wish. "But I agree with it," he
committee meeting this morning.
said. "After the phase-out I'll go back
and practice law in Greensboro and
Francis X. Clines
not give it a second thought."
Bernard Weinraub
Letters
Peace Corps's Safe Distance From C.I.A., et al.
To the Editor:
Finally, the controversy over Mr.
To the Editor:
As the principal Senate sponsor of
Pauken's nomination arose not because
Despite Donald Thorson's claim, the
legislation to separate the Peace Corps
he is a Vietnam veteran, as Mr. Thor-
Peace Corps has always had and con-
from the Action agency, I was aston-
son falsely suggests, but over the ques-
tinues to have a strict prohibition
ished by the letter (Nov. 27) from Don-
tion whether the extent and nature of
against former intelligence. agents
ald Thorson, Action's assistant director
within its agency.
for legislative affairs, accusing The
Former C.I.A. employees may
Times of inaccurate reporting. It is Mr.
never work for the Peace Corps. How-
Thorson who is inaccurate.
ever, there are many other agencies
Mr. Thorson states that it is "not
and offices of the Federal Government
true" that the Peace Corps has a strict
that deal in one way or another with in-
prohibition against former intelligence
telligence, such as the State Depart-
agents within its ranks. The truth is
ment's Office of Intelligence and Re-
that ever since its inception in 1961 the
search, which does no intelligence
Peace Corps has had a policy designed
gathering.
to preclude even the appearance of a
For this type of office, the rule is
connection with intelligence activities.
that no employee may work for the
This policy bars any former agent or
Peace Corps for a period of 10 years
employee of the C.I.A. from ever serv-
after leaving the intelligence-related
ing as a Peace Corps volunteer or em-
agency and that after the 10-year peri-
ployee. And it strictly prohibits anyone
od, considerations of Peace Corps em-
else from serving if he or she has en-
ployment are made on a case-by-case
gaged in intelligence activities in the
basis.
preceding 10 years.
Tom Houser's employment by the
Thomas Pauken, director of Action;
Peace Corps seems to have been in
Loret Ruppe, director of the Peace
Jacqui Morgan
keeping with this stipulation. The
Corps, and William Casey, director of
his service in military intelligence vio-.
"strict prohibitions" on corps employ-
the C.I.A., have said that they intend to
lated - or appeared to violate - a
ment of former intelligence "agents"
continue this policy.
policy indispensable to the effective-
and other employees of intelligence-
Mr. Thorson states that Thomas
ness of the Peace Corps, if not to its
related agencies are still in effect.
Houser served in Army counterintelli-
very survival. The Foreign Relations
It is important that these rules
gence 13 years before he became
Committee narrowly voted for his con-
and their continued applicability be
deputy director of the Peace Corps in
firmation, 10 to 7.
known.
1969. However, no information to that
Making the Peace Corps an inde-
Peace Corps volunteers in service in
effect was brought to the attention of
pendent agency will reaffirm its funda-
the third world have frequently been
the Senate at the time of Mr. Houser's
mental policy of keeping free of all taint
exempted from manifestations of anti-
confirmation.
of an "intelligence connection." It is a
Americanism because it has been
Mr. Thorson also claims that sepa-
sorry state of affairs that a high official
clear that they are working indisputa-
rating the Peace Corps from Action
of Action, in his determination to keep
bly outside intelligence-gathering ef-
would "cost the taxpayers more
the Peace Corps within that agency at
forts, which tend to penetrate every
money." The evidence points in ex-
any cost, is willing to jeopardize a
other facet of American presence
actly the opposite direction. Internal
policy intended to protect the integrity
abroad. A breakdown in this under-
Peace Corps budget documents esti-
of the Peace Corps and the safety of its
standing could lead to dangerous
mate that, while separation will cost
volunteers and staff.
situations for Peace Corps volunteers,
about $900,000 in first-year administra-
ALAN CRANSTON
who are often far from the protection
tive expenses, it will save $1 million
U.S. Senator from California
an embassy might offer. The "strict
annually thereafter.
Washington, Dec. 9, 1981
prohibitions" have served and con-
tinue to serve a purpose.
Mr. Thorson's remarks about the
"independence" of the Peace Corps
also provide no correction. No one has
ever contended that the Peace Corps is
independent of the State Department.
What is being sought is independence
from Action, a superstructure created
by the Nixon Administration in which
the identity of the Peace Corps has
been submerged to the extent that
THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1981
many Americans wonder whether it
still exists.
It does exist, and it performs effec-
tively in its role as a part of the Ameri-
can foreign policy establishment. The
Peace Corps will continue to perform
effectively as long as it remains
clearly free of intelligence-gathering
connotations and is minimally encum-
bered by a Washington bureaucracy.
LLEWELLYN D. HOWELL
Chairman, Policy Committee
National Council of Returned
Peace Corps Volunteers
Gaithersburg, Md., Dec. 3, 1981
action
WASHINGTON post, DEC. 18, 1981
ington Post
JACK ANDERSON
Vista Doomed,
For this reason, the community
to the poor, establish legal aid foun-
groups targeted for the cutoff have
dations and promote low-cost. hous-
been carefully selected by Tom Pau-
ing. Oddly, several of the organiza-
At Time When
ken, director of Vista's parent agen-
tions on the hit list no longer use
cy, Action. Pauken was a Reagan
Vista volunteers.
It's Most Needed
campaign worker, with a background
Vista sources say President Rea-
in military intelligence.
gan wants to replace the agency's
Pauken used his training in covert
militant programs with less politi-
The White House budget brigade
operations when he prepared the
cally threatening activities-such as
is secretly planning the demise of
"hit list" of 39 nonprofit groups that
support of Nancy Reagan's pet pro-
Vista-the domestic version of the
would be denied Vista volunteers.
ject, Foster Grandparents. The new
Peace Corps-at a time when its
Then he passed out the list at a se-
Vista would use unpaid volun-
services are needed more than ever.
cret meeting last June of four ultra-
teers-thus effectively limiting them
The deepening recession is exactly
conservative groups known as the
to well-to-do individuals of sup-
the kind of situation Vista was de-
Kingston Coalition (named for the
posedly more conservative views.
signed to alleviate; it provides vol-
Washington hotel conference room
Pauken denied passing out a hit
unteers at subsistence wages to com-
where it holds its meetings).
list at the Kingston Coalition meet-
munity groups that offer various
The four groups are the American
ing, but admitted having compiled
kinds of help to the needy.
Legislative Exchange Council, the
an earlier list of 32 groups targeted
With the massive cutbacks in
Washington Legal Foundation, the
for closer scrutiny before being
other federal social service programs,
Committee for the Survival of a Free
funded again. "We are not interested
Vista's modest government funding
Congress and the Conservative
in funding groups that are heavily
-$34 million a year-would seem to
Caucus.
involved in lobbying, demonstrating
be a bargain for the taxpayers and a
shot in the arm for the private agen-
The 15 persons who attended the
or in the political agenda," he said.
cies President Reagan wants to take
June meeting were sworn to secrecy,
Meanwhile, memos sent to budget
over more of the social work.
particularly about Pauken's pres-
boss David Stockman under Pau-
But the administration is deter-
ence. "We were told not to tell what
ken's name indicate that he expects
mined to sink Vista with a sneak
went on to anyone in the media," a
the agency to be "phased out" by
attack. The tactic is to deny certain
source told my reporter Corky John-
late next year or early 1983-well
nonprofit groups an opportunity to
son.
before the funds already approved
reapply for Vista volunteers once
The source quoted Pauken as say-
by Congress run out.
their current contracts expire.
ing the 39 groups on his hit list were
What Next?-The House Com-
This would naturally cut down on
"pro-leftist," and explaining that
mittee on Education and Labor,
the number of volunteers in Vista
"many Vista volunteers work with
which oversees Vista, has warned
and thus reduce the agency's fund-
pro-leftist groups that need to be
Pauken that the elimination of any
ing needs. It would also, of course,
eliminated."
agency program without entertaining
cripple the affected nonprofit organ-
The targeted organizations are
appeals from the affected groups is a
izations by cutting off their govern-
community action programs that
violation of the law. Insiders expect
ment-subsidized workers.
teach political self-help techniques
a dramatic showdown.
volunt airsm
THE 1982 PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER ACTION AWARDS
We have an unprecedented opportunity in America in the
days ahead to build on our past traditions and the raw resources
within our people. We can show the world how to construct a
social system more humane, more compassionate and more
effective in meeting its members' needs than any ever known.
Because they are so important, this Administration seeks to
elevate voluntary action and private initiative to the
recognition they deserve. We seek to increase their influence
on our daily lives and their roles in meeting our social needs.*
Ronald Reagan
From the early patriots striving to build a free nation to neighbors helping in community
barn-raisings to present day neighborhood and community groups, one common trait has
continued to distinguish the American people-the desire to help one's neighbor through
volunteer service. These selfless acts have become so much a part of the American way of life
that they too often go unnoticed and unrecognized.
The President's Volunteer Action Awards have been created to honor those individuals and
groups who are making unique contributions to their communities through volunteer
service and to focus local and national attention on these outstanding and innovative
volunteer efforts.
The awards program is sponsored jointly by VOLUNTEER: The National Center for Citizen
Involvement and ACTION.
Anyone may nominate an individual or group involved in volunteer activity. Specific
guidelines governing the nomination process are on page 2 of this form. Outstanding
volunteers and volunteer groups will be chosen in the following categories: jobs, health,
material resources, education, recreation and the environment, public safety, arts and
humanities. All entries must be postmarked by midnight, February 7, 1982.
The 1982 President's Volunteer Action Awards will be presented in Washington, D.C.
during the week prior to National Volunteer Week which is April 18-24, 1982.
VOLUNTEER: The National Center for Citizen Involvement, a private, non-profit
organization, was created in 1979, the result of a merger of the National Center for
Voluntary Action and the National Information Center on Volunteerism, to strengthen the
effective involvement of all citizens as volunteers in solving local problems. VOLUNTEER
offers a wide range of technical assistance and support services to volunteer involving
organizations ranging from local volunteer clearinghouses to major corporations.
ACTION is the federal agency for volunteer service. Its purpose is to stimulate
voluntarism in general and, in particular, to demonstrate the effectiveness of volunteers in
ameliorating social problems. Its major programs include the Foster Grandparent, Retired
Senior Volunteer and Senior Companion programs for the elderly and a variety of programs for
youth.
*From a speech delivered to the National Alliance of Business, October 5, 1981
General Information
Who is Eligible for the President's Volunteer Action
An individual or group may submit separate nominations for as
Awards?
many different individuals or groups as desired.
Only nominations accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped
Any individual or group actively engaged in volunteer activi-
postcard will be acknowledged. Because of the volume of nomi-
ties that benefit the community, state or nation may be
nominated.
nations, the President's Volunteer Action Awards screening
committee will not be able to respond to any queries regarding
For those individuals or groups who are paid any amount for
the nomination form or the status of a specific nomination.
activities for which they are nominated (other than reimburse-
Pertinent supplementary material may be submitted along with
ment for out-of-pocket expenses), the nomination statement
the nomination form. See "Procedures for Completing Nomina-
must clearly indicate the extent of salaried or stipended
activities.
tion Form" for guidelines. All nominations must be complete in
Individuals involved in "work released time" and student
one package when submitted. Separate letters, materials and
other documents received later will not be processed or consid-
course credit are eligible but must clearly indicate that in the
nomination statement.
ered in the judging.
All entries and supplementary materials become the property of
Volunteer activities must be performed within the United
States and/or U.S. territories.
VOLUNTEER and will not be returned. Materials will be held by
VOLUNTEER for six months following completion of the judging
No employees or immediate relatives of employees of VOL-
UNTEER or ACTION or members of VOLUNTEER's Board of
process.
The screening committee may request additional information
Directors or of ACTION's Advisory Council may be nominated
for awards.
from applicants or references for the judges' consideration.
Decisions of the judges are final. All entries for the 1982 Presi-
dent's Volunteer Action Awards must be postmarked before mid-
night, February 7, 1982.
Procedures for Completing and Submitting the Nomination Form
In order for a nomination to be considered, the nomination form must be filled out completely and legibly (please print or
type). An incomplete nomination form disqualifies the nomination. Please read and follow the directions carefully. Please
detach and submit pages 3 and 4 of the nomination form. The nomination form includes two parts, plus any supplementary
material submitted:
(A) The Nomination Form
Recipients' need for the activity - The recipients' need may or
Item 1. Please indicate the individual or group's complete
may not be different from the community need. A facility
name, mailing address and telephone number. If the nominee
which serves handicapped children may be equally important
is a group, please indicate the name of the appropriate contact
to both the recipients of the service and the general public. In
person within the group along with his/her address and tele-
some cases, however, such as providing access to a kidney
phone number.
machine, the recipients' need for the service is total, while the
community's need for kidney machines may be slight in rela-
Item 2. Awards will be made in the following categories:
tion to other needs.
Jobs employment, job creation and training, economic
development
Scope of the activity - The concern here is with the potential
Health medical care, mental health and developmentally
impact of the activity or service. Something that is national or
disabled services, community health services
regional in impact is not necessarily "better" than something
Material Resources food and nutrition, clothing and fur-
that is local. Projects of very limited scope, however, such as
nishings, housing, transportation, consumer protection
putting on one picnic for 50 senior citizens, would not be
Education pre-elementary, elementary and secondary
considered to have a major impact.
education, special education, informal and supplementary
education services
Achievement Actual accomplishments of the voluntary activ-
The Environment enrichment and conservation of the
ity or service should be considered, as opposed to the stated
environment, recreation
goals or objectives of the project.
Public Safety - crime and delinquency prevention, justice
services, protective services, disaster relief, fire protection
Unusual challenges overcome Such challenges might in-
Arts and Humanities cultural enrichment
clude public apathy or hostility toward the project or program,
Check the most appropriate category. Some nominations can
a critically limited supply of resources, or a handicap on the
fit appropriately into more than one category. Please choose
part of the person or persons doing the volunteer work.
the category you feel most appropriate. Categories are meant
as guidelines for the selection process; thus, where approp-
Method Method relates basically to the way in which the
riate, the selection committee may choose to put a nomination
activity or service was performed. Consideration should in-
into more than one category.
clude the vigor, efficiency and overall organization of the
effort; the extent to which the individual or group marshalled
Item 3. Please indicate name, address and telephone number
other volunteer resources in support of the effort; and, where
plus title and organization (if appropriate).
appropriate, evidence of broad community or grassroots sup-
port for the activity or service.
Item 4. Since award winners' references will be contacted for
verification of the scope and extent of a nominee's activities, it
Innovation - Innovation takes into consideration the degree to
is important that this section be completed. Nominations with
which the service or activity represents a new use of volun-
fewer than three references will be disqualified.
teers in a certain capacity and/or a significantly new approach
to solving a particularly pressing problem.
Item 5. Enter the name of the individual or group being nomi-
nated, the signature of the person making the nomination and
(C) Accompanying Materials
the signature of the nominee or the representative (if the
Not more than 10 pages of supplementary material may be
nominee is a group). Nominations not signed by the nomina-
submitted along with the nomination. Accompanying mate-
tor will be disqualified. A person may nominate him/herself.
rials can include letters, testimonials, news clippings, pam-
phlets, etc. Do not submit tapes, cassettes, display materials,
films, scrapbooks, books, etc. as they will not be considered in
judging the nomination. All materials submitted become the
(B) The Statement
property of VOLUNTEER and will not be returned; thus, when
Because nominations will be judged based on specific crite-
preparing accompanying materials, keep the materials cost to
ria, the statement of activities (of not more than 500 words)
a minimum and submit photocopies where possible.
must address the following items:
Community need for the activity - How important was the
Submitting the Nomination
activity to the overall welfare of the community? For example,
Send all entries to:
establishing an education and training facility for handi-
The President's Volunteer Action Awards
capped children in a town where there was none would be a
Post Office Box 37488
more important contribution than expanding an existing rec-
Washington, D.C. 20013
reation program.
Do not send entries to VOLUNTEER or ACTION.
-2-
OMB Approved 3001-0070
I. NOMINEE: Please specify if nominee is an individual
or a group
Name:
If individual, indicate Mr., Ms., Miss, Mrs.;
Phone number
If group, enter full name of group.
If nominee is group, enter name of contact person.
Phone number
Complete address
City
State
Zip
II. CATEGORY: Check one. Some nominations will fit appropriately into more than one category. Please choose the category you feel most
appropriate. Categories are meant as guidelines for the selection process; thus, where appropriate, the selection committee may choose
to put a nomination into more than one category.
Jobs
The Environment
Health
Public Safety
Material Resources
Arts & Humanities
Education
III. NOMINATOR:
Name:
Phone number
Title and organization, if appropriate.
Complete address
City
State
Zip
IV. VERIFICATION: In order to qualify for consideration, a nominee must have three references who may be contacted to verify the scope
and extent of the nominee's volunteer activities. References should be persons familiar with the volunteer accomplishments for which the
person is being nominated and may not include the nominee or any person related to the nominee.
Name:
Phone number
Complete address
City
State
Zip
Name:
Phone number
Complete address
City
State
Zip
Name:
Phone number
Complete address
City
State
Zip
V. NOMINATION: I hereby nominate
Name of individual or group nominated for the President's Volunteer Action Award.
Signature of Nominator
Date
-3-
Nominations may be submitted on this form
or a facsimile thereof.
SUMMARY: Describe in one sentence the goals of the activity for which the nomination is being made.
STATEMENT: Addressing the criteria listed on page 2, describe in not more than 500 words the activities and accomplishments
of the nominee in the space below.
-4-
Nomination forms made possible by a grant
from JCPenney
THE AGEMCY ACTION FOR
ACTION Memorandum
SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
vilepsI
TO
:
MORTON BLACKWELL
DATE: May 12, 1982
FROM :
RICHARD BIRNEY
SUBJECT:
Attached are the copies of letters for your records.
PEACE CORPS
VISTA
UNIVERSITY YEAR FOR ACTION
NATIONAL STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
ACTION Form A-869 (7/77)
May 10, 1982
Susan Davis
The Davis Company
1722 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
Dear Susan,
Enclosed is the list of PSI in the various federal
agencies. Each of these individuals serves as a liaison
between their agency and the task force.
Thank you for suggesting that we get the Women
Business Owners involved in private initiatives. We
will continue to look for an appropriate meeting for
them to attend.
It was good to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Jay Moorhead
Special Assistant to
the President
Enclosure
CC: Wendel Butler
monton B backmell
JM/RBirney/gb
PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES DESIGNATES AT DEPARTMENTS, AGENCYS
K
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
ACTION
Mr. Thomas Pauken
Mr. Thomas Pauken
806 Connecticut Ave., NW
Director
202-254-3120
Washington, D.C. 20525
AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL
Mr. M. Peter McPherson Mrs. Kate Semerad
DEVELOPMENT (AID)
Administrator
Director of Interbureau
320 21st Street, NW
Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20523
632-4213
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Mr. John R. Block
Raymond Lett
14th St. & Independence Ave.
Secretary
Executive Assistant to th
Washington, D.C. 20250
Secretary
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Malcolm Baldridge
Mary Jo Jacobi
14th St. and Constitution
Secretary
Director, Office of
Washington, D.C. 20230
Business Liaison
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
Nancy H. Steorts
Naomi Faison, Special
COMMISSION
Chairman
Assistant to the Chrm.
111 18th Street, N.W.
Corporate Relations
Washington, D.C. 20207
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL
Mr. A. Alan Hill
Mr. Ernie Minor
QUALITY
Chairman
Member of Council
722 Jackson Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Caspar Weinberger
Dr, Lawrence Korb
The Pentagon
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20301
for Manpower, Reserve
Affairs & Logistics
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Dr. Terrell H. Bell
Mr. Robert J. Brown
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Secretary
Office of the Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20202
La Wanna Clark
ENERGY DEPARTMENT
Mr. James B. Edwards
Mr. Guy Fiske Office of the
1000 Independence Ave., SW
Secretary
Undersecretary
Washington, D.C. 20585
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Mrs. Anne Gorsuch
Mr. Paul Milbauer
AGENCY
Administrator
Special Assistant to
401 M Street, SW
the Administrator
Washington, D.C. 20460
.k
EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE
Mr. William Draper
Mr. William Draper
UNITED STATES
Chairman
Hairwan
811 Vermont Ave., N.W.
Mr. -J.hn Bierman
Washington, D.C. 20571
Sr. Vice President
Export. Credits Guaractust
Insurance
5668806
2
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Mark S. Fowler
Mimi Weyforth Dawson
COMMISSION
Chairman
Commissioner
1919 M St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20554
General
Giuffrida
FEDERAL EMERGENCY
Mr. Louis O. Cultirida
General Louis Giuffrida
MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Director
Director
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BOARD
Mr. Richard T. Pratt
Andrew A. DiPrete
1700 G Street, N.W.
Chairman
Board member
Washington, D.C. 20552
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Mr. Alan Green, Jr.
Hugh N. Johnson
100 L Street, N.W.
Chairman
Counsel to Chairman
Washington, D.C. 20573
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Mr. James C. Miller, III Carol T. Crawford
6th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Chairman
Acting Ex. Director
Washington, D.C. 20580
GENERAL SERVICES
Mr. Gerald P. Carmen
Charles S. Davis, III
ADMINISTRATION
Administrator
Associate Administrator
18th & F Street, N.W.
Policy/Management Syste
Washington, D.C. 20405
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Mr. Richard Schweiker
Mr. David Swoap
DEPARTMENT
Secretary
Under Secretary
200 Independence Ave., S.W.
202-245-7431
Washington, D.C. 20201
MR.LYNN MAY-
HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Samuel R. Pierce
Dr. Emanuel Steve Savas
DEPARTMENT
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
451 7th St., S.W.
202-755-5600
Washington, D.C.
Mr Roger Ahlbrandt
202-755-5896
Joe Prosito
202-755-8106
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT
Mr. James Watt
Emily DeRocco
18th & C, N.W.
Secretary
Assistant to the
Washington, D.C. 20240
Secretary
3
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Charles Z. Wick
Mr. Robert Reilly,
COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY
Director
Director
1750 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Office of Private
Washington, D.C. 20547
Sector Programs
INTERSTATE COMMERCE
Mr. Reese Taylor
Mr. Robert Shepherd
COMMISSION
Chairman
Chief of Staff
12th & Constitution Ave. ,NW
Washington, D.C. 20423
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Mr. William French
Mr. William Robie
Constitution Ave & 10th
Smith, Attorney General
Office of Deputy
St., N.W.
Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
202-633-3396
LABOR DEPARTMENT
Mr. Raymond Donovan
Mr. Malcom R. Lovell
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Secretary
Under Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20210
202-523-6151
Mr. Richard Breeden
202-523-8004
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS &
Mr. James M. Beggs
Mr. James M. Beggs
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Administrator
Administrator
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20546
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION
Mr. Edgar F. Callahan
Mr. Edgar F. Callahan
ADMINISTRATION
Chairman
Chairman
1776 G St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20456
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR
Mr. Francis S.M. Hodsoll Mr. Francis S.M. Hodso
THE ARTS
Director
Director
2401 E St., N.W.
202-634-6005
Washington, D.C. 20506
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR
Mr. William J. Bennett
Mr. William J. Bennett
THE HUMANITIES
Chairman
Chairman
806 15th Street, NW
202-724-0347
Washington, D.C. 20506
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Dr. John Slaughter
Mr. Jack Sanders
1800 G Street, NW
Director
Assistant Director
Washington, D.C. 20550
Engineering
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mr. Nunzio J. Palladino
Mr. Norman Haller
1717 H St., N.W.
Chairman
Executive Assistant
to the Chairman
Washington, D.C. 20555
4
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT
Mr. David Stockman
Mr. William Dinkelacker
AND BUDGET
Director
Senior Economist
Room 252, Old Executive
Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20503
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
Dr. Donald J. Devine
Dr. Roger Pilon
MANAGEMENT
Director
Special Assistant to
1900 E Street, NW
the Director
Washington, D.C. 20415
PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
Mr. Max N. Berry
Mr. Max N. Berry
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Chairman
425 13th St., N.W. Room 1148
Washington, D.C. 20004
POSTAL RATE COMMISSION
Janet Steiger
no designate
2000 L Street, N.W.
Chairman
Washington, D.C.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
Mr. John S.R. Shad
Susan Liebeler, Special
COMMISSION
Chairman
Counsel to the Chrm.
500 N. Capitol Street
Washington, D.C. 20549
Box Tumbull contact
Deputy administrator
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Mr. Michael Cardenas
Mr. James C. Sanders
1441 L Street, N.W.
Administrator
Associate Administrator
Washington, D.C. 20416
202-653-6881
STATE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Alexander M. Haig
Mr. Robert Hormats
2201 C Street, N.W.
Secretary
Assistant Secretary,
Washington, D.C. 20520
Bureau of Economic-
Business Affairs
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Mr. C.H. Dean, Jr.
412 First Street, S.E.
Chairman
no designate
Washington, D.C. 20444
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. Drew Lewis
Mr. Ralph Stanley
400 7th St., S.W.
Secretary
Special Assistant
Washington, D.C. 20509
202-426-8912
U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Mr. Bill Alberger
Mr. John Kelley
COMMISSION
Chairman
Assistant Secretary for
701 E St., S.W.
Public Liaison and
Washington, D.C. 20436
Consumer Affairs
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
Mr Robert I. Hardesty
Mr. Gerald F. Merna
475 L'Enfant Plaza West
Chairman
Executive Assistant
Washington, D.C. 20260
Mr. William Bolger
Postmaster General
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
PEACE CORPS
Loret Ruppe
Gerald Kisner
806 Connecticut Avenue
Director
Director
Washington, D.C. 20525
Private Sector Developmen
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Donald T. Regan
John Kelly, Assistant
15th St. & Penn. Ave.
Secretary
Secretary for Public
Washington, D.C. 20220
Liaison & Consumer Affair
Craig Nolen
OVERSEAS PRIVATE
M Peter McPherson
Mr. William Delphos
INVESTMENT
Chairman of the
Vice President -
CORPORATION
Board
Operations
1129 20TH Street, N.W.
President, OPIC
Washington, D.C. 20527
AGENCY
SECRETARY/HEAD
CONTACT
U.S. SYNTHETIC FUELS
Mr. Edward Noble
Victor Schroeder
CORPORATION
Chairman
President
1900 L St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
U.S. Trade Representative
Mr. William E. Brock
Dave Demarest
600 17th St., N.W.
U.S. Trade Representative Director, Public Affaii
Washington, D.C. 20560
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Robert P. Nimmo
Mr. Edward F. Rose
810 Vermont Ave, N.W.
Administrator of Veterans Director, Voluntary
Washington, D.C. 20420
Service
202-389-5301
0
May 10, 1982
James R. Crumley, Jr
Office of the Bishop
Luthern Church in America
Dear Mr. Crumley,
It was a pleasure to have you attend our luncheon on
April 13 and we appreciate your comments concerning that
event.
Let me assure you that the President in no way desires
to "set the agenda for the churches". Churches across the
nation have made great contributions to the wellbeing of
those in need. Our effort is to highlight those accomplish-
ments and encourage everyone to play as large a role as he is
capable of playing.
We are not suggesting that the private sector will
replace government programs, neither do we proclaim that the
burden be carried solely by the religious organizations.
Rather, I suggest that government, business, churches and the
non-profits each have strengths that when utilized cooperatively
can far exceed the impact each operating alone.
I hope the meeting with the President inspired you to
continue your efforts in helping the needy and to expand
them wherever possible. I would like you to keep us apprised
of new developments.
Sincerely,
Jay Moorhead
Special Assistant to
the President
JM/RBirney/gb
5-25
Lutheran
Rich
Birny
Church
"America
Int' Morton
CHURCH
231 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK, N.Y 10016
LUCHERAN
Bishop
Cable: Lutheran Newyork
212 696-6790
April 29, 1982
Mr. Jay Moorhead
Special Asst. to the President
Private Sector Initiatives
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Moorhead:
Thank you for your letter of April 21 and for the copy of President
Reagan's written remarks at the luncheon on April 13.
I did appreciate very highly the invitation to attend the briefing
and the luncheon. I hope that is the beginning of a dialogue between the
administration and the churches as to how best to care for the problems that
exist in our society.
I was apprehensive at a couple of points. It sounded very much as if
the administration wants to set the agenda for the churches. It also seemed
to me as if there were little genuine understanding of what the churches are
already doing in the area of social ministry. The total budgets for the
congregations, synods and churchwide agencies of the Lutheran Church in
America already total millions of dollars in that type of ministry. We will
continue to care for those who are in need in every way that we find possible.
We do consider it a basic ministry of the church, but only one of a number
of ministries.
I am also concerned that the care of the poor seems to be interpreted
as a matter of charity. While charity is always important and charitable
gifts are necessary in such care, I do not believe that the matter of sys-
temic poverty can be solved in that way. Nor do I believe that the care of
the poor is the responsibility only of that less than a majority segment of the
U.S. population that are members of churches. I believe more of an emphasis on
justice for such people rather than simply the patronizing attitude of charity
is an essential ingredient in solving the problem.
Again, my thanks to you and to the administration for these important
contacts. I hope they will continue.
Sincerely,
Names R. ,the
James R. Crumley, Jr.
JRC:bf
THE
NATIONAL
ACTION
VOLUNTEER ACERECA
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
OFFICE OF
October 15, 1982
THE DIRECTOR
Let's do it.
Ms. Dodie Livingston
Special Assistant to the President
480 Old Executive Office Building
M.
The White House
10/22/82
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms. Livingston:
The Chicago Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program (VVLP) is coordinating
the dedication of a Vietnam veterans memorial fountain with Mayor Byrne
of that city. (Please see enclosed fact sheet on VVLP.) The dedication
will take place November 11 to coincide with Veterans Day and the National
Salute to Vietnam veterans.
Dennis Coll, the Chicago businessman who voluntarily chairs the
Chicago VVLP has requested that a letter from the President be read at the
dedication ceremonies. The letter would be read by Allen Lynch, a
Congressional Medal of Honor winner and a board member of the Chicago WLP
or by Ed Timperlake, National Director of the WLP.
The draft letter enclosed is based on the President's remarks during
the ceremony that launched the VVLP last November.
As you can see, time is of the essence.
Anything you can do to expedite this would be deeply appreciated.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
form Panken
Thomas W. Pauken
Director
cc: Morton Blackwell
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER LIAISON
VOLUNTEER DRUG USE PREVENTION PROGRAM
VIFTNAM VETERANS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING
DRAFT
Hon. Jane Byrne
Mayor
City of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Mayor Byrne:
Congratulations to you and the people of the truly great American city
of Chicago for your special recognition of our Vietnam veterans on this
solemn day.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 54
years ago, the guns ceased booming along the Western Front and what the world
hoped was "the war to end all wars" finally came to a halt. Since that day
we have learned--to our sorrow-that lasting peace requires more than hope.
Americans have fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and we have learned
that in a hostile world a nation's future is only as certain as the devotion
of its defenders, and the nation must be as loyal to them as they are to the
nation.
A long dragged-out tragedy, Vietnam divided our nation and damaged
America's self-image, and part of the tragedy, a major part, was the sacrifice
by men who fought as bravely as any American fighting men have ever fought.
Millions of young Americans, when they were called upon, did their duty and
demonstrated courage and dedication in the finest tradition of our country's
military service.
I want to express appreciation on behalf of all Americans to those
veterans who are here today. Dedication of this memorial will be an important
part of the process of remembering your courage and sacrifice, a process
that is long overdue all across our country. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
President
ACTION
WASHINGTON, D.C.: 20525
ACTION FACT SHEET
ALL ACTION PROGRAMS:
ACTION, the national volunteer agency established in
Number of Volunteers: 331,360
July 1971, enables Americans to volunteer their ser-
vices where needed -- at home and abroad. The diver-
sity of ACTION programs allows for part-time or full-
time service up to two years, some volunteers serving
on a stipend, others on a non-paid basis
PEACE CORPS:
Peace Corps, ACTION's international program, sends
Number of Volunteers
volunteers for two years to developing countries --
and trainees:
5,400
nearly 60 this year -- to meet their requests for
assistance in economic and social development.
VISTA:
VISTAs work to alleviate poverty in the United States.
(Volunteers in Service to
Volunteers are assigned for one or two-year terms at
America)
the request of public or private non-profit organiza-
Number of Volunteers:
2,650
tions to assist people in need in locally-sponsored
projects.
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM:
As Foster Grandparents, low-income persons 60 and
Number of Volunteers: 18,030
over provide companionship and guidance to mentally,
physically or emotionally handicapped children.
RSVP:
RSVP offers opportunities for older citizens to use
(Retired Senior Volunteer
their talents and experience in community service,
Program)
ranging from first aid to tutoring. RSVP operates
Number of Volunteers: 300,000
through grants to public and private non-profit
organizations in local communities.
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM:
Senior Companions, all low-income persons 60 or over,
Number of Volunteers: 5,280
provide care and companionship to other adults, espe-
cially the elderly.
NCSL:
NCSL is a supportive program that provides technical
(National Center for Service
assistance materials, training seminars, research, and
Learning Program)
on-site consultation to local independent college and
high school volunteer and service-learning programs
throughout the country.
OVL:
OVL was established in March 1978 as the Office of
(Office of Voluntary Liaison)
Voluntary Citizen Participation to provide a link
between ACTION and the private voluntary sector in the
U.S. and abroad, and between international and domestic
volunteer programs and efforts, both within ACTION and
outside the agency.
For further information contact:
For information on how to volunteer through
ACTION Office of Communications
ACTION, call: 800-424-8580 toll free.
Washington, D.C. 20525
Phone: 202-254-6480
(Program information current as of September 1981)
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
PEACE CORPS VISTA NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING OFFICE OF VOLUNTARY CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
ACTION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: BILL BARRETT
(202) 254-6480
YOUNG VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TO FOLLOW
NEW DIRECTIONS PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT
ACTION Director Thomas Pauken has announced the establishment of Young
Volunteers in ACTION (YVA) following President Reagan's declaration that, "it is
time to take a fresh look at the way we provide social services."
The nationwide corps of local programs will involve volunteers age 14 to 22
in service to their communities. ACTION is the national volunteer agency.
According to Pauken, "the corps of Young Volunteers will help carry out the
President's order to return voluntarism to the local communities where it belongs.
Young people helping other youths in the community," he adds, "will greatly benefit
both the volunteers and those they serve."
To develop and support Young Volunteer projects, ACTION will award small grants
to sponsoring community organizations. Young Volunteers will serve on a part-time,
non-stipended basis. "The initial grants," Pauken explains, "follow President
Reagan's directive that agencies 'develop pump-priming and seed money programs that
offer incentives for private sector investment."
It is hoped that the success of demonstration programs in targeted cities, suburbs
and small towns will lead to the expansion of Young Volunteer projects around the U.S.
In awarding small grants to local organizations for the purpose of operating
Young Volunteer programs, ACTION gave priority to groups affiliated with national
organizations and supported by private enterprise to enhance the probability of
replication and continued program support.
- MORE -
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
PEACE CORPS VISTA NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING OFFICE OF VOLUNTARY CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
- 2 -
Grantees are responsible for creating broad-based oversight boards, usually
involving representation of local government officials to administer funds, employ
Young Volunteer staff (primarily local project directors), develop volunteer service
stations, and recruit, train and supervise volunteers.
Participation in Young Volunteer programs is open to all'youths age 14 to 22.
Although volunteers' specific commitments to a program may vary, Young Volunteers
will serve ten hours per month.
On a national scale, implementation of Young Volunteer programs is the res-
ponsibility of ACTION's Office of Domestic Operations. According to Domestic
Operations Director Lawrence Davenport, "the Young Volunteer corps is based on
the assumption that youth may bring special insight to solving problems of others
their own age -- both problems which are general and problems which are poverty-
related."
###
#4/1081
YVA PROJECTS
REGION III
United Way of Richmond
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
2501 Monument Avenue.
Richmond, Va. 23220
(804) 353-1201
YVA Project Director: Julie Gillepsie
REGION IV
Alexander City State Junior College
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
P.O. Box 699
Alexander City, Alabama 35010
(205) 234-6346
Alachua County Center For Voluntary Action
P.O. Box 14561
Gainsville, Florida 32604
(904) 378-2552
YVA Project Director: Debbie Katzman
Volunteer Service Bureau, Inc.
122 E. Colonial Drive
Suite 201
Orlando, Florida 32801
(305) 841-7681
YVA Project Director: Leona G. Cadenhead
REGION VI
Pulaski County Council On Aging, Inc.
1700 W. 13th Street
Suite 100
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
(501) 372-7818
YVA Project Director: Kathy Pharris
United Way of Metro Tarrant County
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
210 E. 9th Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 335-5640
YVA Project Director: Barbara Jones
Page 2
City of Tulsa, Mayor's Office
200 Civic Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
(918) 581-5101
YVA Project Director: Susan Shelby
REGION VIII
Mile High United Way
Volunteer Services Department
#2 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, Colorado 80221
(303) 837-9999
REGION IX
Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 974-1441
YVA Project Director: Germaine Schwider
REGION X
Benton-Franklin Voluntary Action Center
205 N. Dennis
Kenewick, Washington 99336
(509) 783-0631
YVA Project Director: Wenda Hunter
Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA)
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
P.O. Box 940
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
(208) 232-1114
YVA Project Director: John Wolfe
Senior Services of Snohomish County
3402 112th Street, S.W.
Everett, Washington 98204
(206) 745-1112 John Bush
#4/1081
ACTION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
NEWS
THOMAS WEIR PAUKEN
DIRECTOR, ACTION
As director of ACTION, the federal agency for volunteer programs, Thomas
Weir Pauken directs the activities of nearly 300,000 Americans who currently
serve as volunteers in ACTION programs. These include the Peace Corps, an
autonomous part of ACTION, VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Foster
Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer
Program) and the National Center for Service Learning.
Pauken was nominated as ACTION director in February, 1981, by President
Ronald Reagan.
Previously, Pauken had served as White House staff assistant and associate
director of the White House Fellowship Program from 1970 to 1971. He left the
White House to return to his native Texas, where, after earning his law degree,
he was a practicing attorney in Dallas from 1974 until his nomination to head ACTION.
Active himself in a number of voluntary activities, Pauken has served on the
National Advisory Council on Vocational Education (1970-76), the Dallas Opportunities
Industrialization Center Board, the Budget Committee of United Way, and has been an
active member of the VFW.
Born January 11, 1944 in Victoria, Texas, Pauken grew up in Dallas where he
graduated from Jesúit High School. He entered Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.,
in 1961, receiving his Bachelors Degree in political science from that school in 1965.
He earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1973.
-more-
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
PEACE CORPS VISTA NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING OFFICE OF VOLUNTARY CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
-2-
Pauken's long and active involvement in public affairs began during his
undergraduate college years when he worked for Sen. John G. Tower (R.-Texas)
and former Rep. Bill Stinson (R.-Wash.).
He was elected president of the Georgetown University Young Republicans and
District of Columbia College Republican chairman.
In 1965, Pauken was elected national chairman of the College Republicans
and served for two years as a chief spokesman for the Republican Party on campuses,
participating in hundreds of speeches, symposiums and debates.
Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1967, Pauken was commissioned a lieutenant
a year later and saw service in Vietnam, authoring a number of studies on the
political and military situation there.
Pauken and his wife, the former Ida Ayola, have five children: Tom II,
Michelle, Angela, Elizabeth and Daniel. Before returning to Washington, D.C.,
in 1981, they had made their home in Mesquite, Texas.
#####
#2/81
ACTION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20525
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Don Stewart
(213) 824-7788
DRIVE TO ENROLL 3,000 YOUTHS FOR NEW NATIONAL
PROGRAM OPENS NOVEMBER 25 IN EL MONTE
Young Volunteers in ACTION (YVA), a new nationwide program
recently placed in 10 states to bring needed services to com-
munities through a corps of local student volunteers, opens its
national drive for 3,000 youths between the ages of 14 and 22
on November 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the San Gabriel Valley Service
Center, 3017 Tyler Avenue in El Monte.
The center will house YVA offices responsible for the
activities of 250 Los Angeles County volunteers during the next
12 months. In addition to the Southern California site, YVA
demonstration projects have been formed in Virginia, Alabama,
Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington and
Idaho. Local sponsoring organizations include a major's office,
United Way agencies, senior groups, volunteer bureaus and, in
Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors.
Community grants, totaling $452,404, received by local
sponsors are collectively a response from ACTION, the national
volunteer agency, to get the private sector more involved" in
voluntary kinds of projects, says Barbara Wyatt, a former Los
Angeles area resident now based at ACTION headquarters in
Washington, D. C. as director of the YVA program.
-more-
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
PEACE CORPS
VISTA NATIONAL CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING OFFICE OF VOLUNTARY CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
-2-
The one-year ACTION grants carry an option for being renewed
for a second 12 months. After two years, Wyatt expresses optimism
that the private sector will step in and take over the projects
and YVA can "move on to other sites."
Each of the 12 national projects are now beginning their
search for 250 volunteers. The youths, besides matching the age
requirements, must also be enrolled in school. Most likely, Wyatt
says, the volunteers will come from campuses, church groups and
organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. In rural
regions, Future Farmers of America and similar organizations will
be a ready source of applicants, she believes. As for the projects
themselves, Wyatt says that they're "going to vary by the community."
Generally, the assignments will embrace everything from home
weatherization projects to working in county hospitals. "There
are new ideas coming in all the time, so we're not bound by any
specific area," she notes.
And why would a young person, already engrossed with class-
room studies, volunteer for 10 hours of community service a month
without hope of any salary or hourly stipend. "Because they
really want to make a contribution, they want some responsibility
and want to know that they're needed," responds Germaine
Schwider who directs the Los Angeles County YVA. The 29-year-old
Long Beach administrator describes young people as "a neglected
resource." Like Barbara Wyatt, she believes that YVA will benefit
its members by giving them skills "that will make them more
employable" and develop personal traits of responsibility, motivation
and initiative. "Getting young people involved in volunteering,"
-3-
is the whole idea behind the YVA program, says Wyatt, who views
the 12 model projects as the means for volunteers to "work
toward a leadership capability."
According to Wyatt, the Los Angeles County project was
selected as the site for the November 25 volunteer enrollment
national kickoff because of the area's reputation across the
country as "a center of young people." The county's volunteers,
once recruited for YVA, will channel their skills through three
departments: Parks and Recreation, the Public Administration
Guardian's office and Health Services under provisions of a $54,572
ACTION grant.
"What I would like to see happen," says Schwider, "is that
this program starts a whole movement of wanting to help others." "
She agrees with Barbara Wyatt that the program can become ongoing
and expand into other communities with local support. For the
volunteers, Schwider asserts, will come belated recognition for
doing some good things" in their communities.
Wyatt and Schwider join Los Angeles County Supervisor Peter F.
Schabarum, Donald G. Galloway, director of the county Department
of Community Development and ACTION regional director Philip D.
Brady of San Francisco for the El Monte pre-Thanksgiving news
conference on behalf of the YVA program, described by a spokesman
as "typifying the season's spirit of sharing and giving."
Tire countywide YVA project office lists (213) 575-5401 in El
Monte for callers.
fill ACTION
Young Volunteers in ACTION
A narrative proposal for a Young Volunteers project should contain
information of the following sort.
I.
The Host Community
How many young people are concentrated in a geographically
accessible area? Is public transportation available? Is
there an ethnic or economic mix?
Would a Young Volunteer project be a significant addition to
the opportunities for volunteering?
Is the community in general supportive of youth activities?
Are there developed civic, church, and school programs, to
the extent which indicate a receptive atmosphere but not to
the extent that Young Volunteers would be perceived to be in
competition or merely duplicate?
Are there sufficient numbers of associations, agencies, or
projects to absorb the volunteer hours of the Young Volunteers?
Is there likely to be strong support in the mayor's office,
the educational system, or the social service organizations?
Is there sufficient potential private sector support available
for institutionalization, after two years, of a program
which has demonstrated success?
Are there any factors peculiar to the community which would
enhance or diminish the likelihood of success?
Is there a history of similar projects in the community?
What seem to be the kinds of volunteer activity which the
community could best make use of and which young people can
perform?
II. The Sponsoring Agency
Can you identify one or several possible sponsoring agencies,
to act as recipient of the grant? These agencies may be the
mayor's office, a social service agency, religious or
fraternal associations, or other sponsor.
III. The Director
Can you identify a candidate or candidates for the position
of director (volunteer coordinator) ? The qualities of the
director are all-important to the success of the project.
He or she should be between the ages of about twenty-two and
thirty; should understand young people and what motivates
them; should be knowledgeable about the community's problems,
resources, and leadership (both public and private); and
should be willing to expend considerable time and energy in
behalf of the project.
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
I. Purpose
All of ACTION's initiatives for the coming months and years
rely to a great extent on service by young people, in behalf
of themselves and their communities, for the solution both of
problems which are general and problems which are poverty-
related. To ensure that the efforts of youth are mobilized
in a focussed, effective way and to capture and perpetuate the
spirit of service, ACTION will inaugurate a program to develop
a corps of Young Volunteers. These volunteers will offer ser-
vice to their communities on a part-time, non-stipened basis.
When the success of the program has been demonstrated, ACTION
may seek a specific legislative mandate for YV. The assump-
tions underlying this plan are that youth may bring special
insights to the solution of the problems of the young people
of their own communities, and that service to their communities
as a whole itself offers the opportunity for achievement, for
enlarged understanding, and for the development of leadership
skills and a sense of civic responsibility.
II. Participation: Volunteers, Grantees, Sponsors
Participation in the program will be open to all youth between
the ages of 14 and 22. Volunteer commitment to the project will
vary; in order to be considered a Young Volunteer, individuals
must serve a minimum of ten hours per month and serve in accor-
dance with an informal contract with the grantee. The contract
will cover terms of service including a code of conduct and an
agreement to devote a specified number of hours.
Young American Volunteers will not receive stipends. Some
assistance may be provided, where warranted, to defray the ex-
pense of transportation.
During the demonstration phase, YV will involve targeted cities,
suburbs, and small towns. Five locations will be selected to
start up the project in FY 81 and to continue it in FY 82. Given
sufficient funds and demonstrated success, YV will be expanded
in FY 82 to fifteen or twenty additional locations. Grants will
be awarded to organizations for the purpose of operating the
local project. Organizations eligible for ACTION assistance will
be eligible for YV grants. Priority consideration will be given
to organizations affiliated with national organizations in order
to enhance the probability of replication; e.g., the office of
the mayor, Community Chest, Red Cross, Junior League, the Junior
Chamber of Commerce, State Offices of Voluntary Participation,
VACs, and Volunteer Clearinghouses. Grantees will be responsible
for developing a broad-based board including a representative of
the Mayor's office, administration of grant funds, employment of
a YV staff (primarily a local director), recruitment, training,
and supervision of volunteers, and a development of volunteer
service stations.
-2-
III. - The Director
The Director position is critical to the success of the project.
ACTION will retain the right to approve the selection of the
Director. It is envisioned that the Director position will be
an opportunity for the development of youth leadership skills;
priority consideration will be given to applicants between the
ages of 22 and 30. The project director will be responsible for
assisting the grantee in developing an advisory board, recruiting
sponsors, selecting major project areas, implementing a campaign
to recruit volunteers, administering a program to train them, and
organizing a system and program of awards to help motivate them.
The size of the grant will vary by locality - it will average
approximately $40,000. The grant will cover employment of a
Director, a part-time assistant, and a secretary. The Director's
salary will be approximately $12,000.00 - $24,000.00 per year.
The initial grant will be for fifteen months in order to include
the start-up period. The start-up period will allow time for
selection of work sites and recruitment of volunteers.
IV. Projects
Projects will offer the opportunity for sustained and short-term
service. Sustained activities, requiring a long-term commitment,
will include tutoring, literacy, service in hospitals and nursing
homes, aid to the elderly, and big brother/big sister type pro-
jects. Short-term activities might include cleanup campaigns,
innoculation campaign, support of public festivals, painting and
restoring public buildings, weatherizing homes, offering dramatic
and/or choral presentations in hospitals, orphanages, and nursing
homes. The projects will be selected by the director and the
board, who will identify activities appropriate to the community in
advance of the awarding of the grant.
Grantees will be responsible for involving a minimum of 250 volun-
teers in the YV program, for a minimum of 2500 volunteer work hours
per month. These volunteers must be generated by the local project
and care must be taken to avoid taking youth away from other volun-
teer groups as YV.
V. ACTION Office Responsibilities
The Office of Domestic Operations will have national responsibi-
lity for implementing the program.
The Office of Policy and Planning will aid in further planning
of the program, and in evaluating it.
The Evaluation Division will develop an evaluation instrument for
YV that will include a comprehensive form for collecting data
throughout the year, in order to provide a means for measuring
the impact of volunteer activity on each area identified.
-3- -
L.
ACTION will develop a training program and materials for
project directors and volunteers. ACTION will administer
the trianing program for directors, who will in turn
administer volunteer training, with local ACTION aid.
ORC will develop a publicity package to assist in the
recruitment of volunteers. The package will include
brochures, posters, radio and TV spots with space for
local information. ORC will also develop a strategy for
informing the public on the progress of the YV initiative.
The grantee and ACTION will develop recognition programs
for the Young Volunteers. Suitable activities would in-
clude certificates, meetings with the mayor and other
public officials, media coverage, and functions sponsored
by civic groups.
Young Volunteers in ACTION
Aim:
To encourage youth to participate in worthwhile
volunteer activities that will -
1) dignify the lives of the less fortunate
by lending a helping hand;
2) beautify the areas in the community by
assisting with the upkeep;
3) identify the needs that will enhance
the safety of a community and seek to find ways
for improvement;
4) Modify the behavior of youth by relating
to positive peer programs.
Objective:
To identify the leadership qualities that exist in
individuals, helping to enhance the capability by
singling them for greater responsibility and re-
warding those of merit for outstanding service.
Ultimate Objective:
To yearly recognize 50 youths nationally for leader-
ship in the volunteer segment of society. The recog-
nition will be so elevated that there will be a
great desire to be selected.
Possible Sources of volunteers:
Boy Scouts
Boys Club of America
Girl Scouts
(O.J. Simpson)
FFA
YMCA
4H Clubs
Big Brothers
Key Clubs in High Schools
Big Sisters
Schools
Sea Cadets
Colleges
Churches
*Gangs
Children of Service
Club Members
Teams
Military Base Children
* Some of these have a negative aspect, but perhaps the
leadership could be reversed in positive projects.
- 2 -
Possible Projects:
Highway beautification;
Waterway improvement;
Crime watch;
Escorting the elderly to appointments
and store;
General services to retirmeent homes
Weatherization - assist in helping the
elderly winterize their homes;
Organize community meals for raising
funds for projects;
Helpful relationship with the elderly
living near schools;
Teaching of CPR, Red Cross first
aid courses to prepare volunteers for
emergencies
Environmental projects - forestry,
shores, paths;
Interest and restoration of historical
places of interest;
After-school recreational programs
for working mothers;
Pre-career counselling to establish
possible work related volunteer work;
Coaching younger children in sports;
A program that could be an asset to the community, involve
many young people of varying aqes, and help encourage leader-
ship would be a person per block program. An area could be
set up by blocks with a leader and assistants for each
block. These people would be responsible for the appearance
of the street, sidewalk, encourage upkeep of residences,
assist the elderly in maintaining their homes, help with the
inform, work with the children in after school programs.
Generally establish a program that would strive to improve
both the environment and assist the inhabitants. This could
be set up competitively which could stimulate greater par-
ticipation.
YOUTH SERVICE - PHASE II PROGRAM
JOB SKILL TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT--UTILIZING MILITARY BASES
BACKGROUND
The current state of youth employment is acknowledged to be one of our most
serious and potentially explosive domestic problems. Many of our public
leaders have warned that the youth employment crisis, particularly among
minorities, is so dangerous that failure to act now could turn crisis into
disaster. At the same time, however, as we are faced with the urgent need
to increase our financial investment in training and employment programs,
we are also struggling with severe cutbacks in our national budget aimed at
curbing a soaring inflation rate. This dilemma has already resulted in the
reduction of a number of major social service programs and threatens the
existence of many more. Thus, a combination of factors has demanded that
we be more imaginative in our approach to solving domestic social problems
and more efficient in managing all available resources.
One of the most promising and potentially far-reaching programs that directly
addresses the concern to get "double-duty" for our investment dollars is the
Youth Service Program being initiated by Youth Service U.S.A., Inc. (YSUSA),
in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DOD). These agencies, now
linked with the National Office for Social Responsibility (NOSR), have joined
together and developed a Three-Year Plan aimed at expanding and significantly
improving the original Youth Service concept. Specifically, they have led the
way in designing a career exploration, skill training, and job placement
program for unemployed economically disadvantaged youth utilizing where
possible the "in-kind" resources indigenous to military installations.
THE PLAN
The three-year effort is built on an understanding of three major factors:
Use of Military Resources - At most every military base in the
country, there are a tremendous volume of resources--technical
equipment, educational, training and recreational facilities, skilled
personnel, and supportive services. Given the existing support
for and encouragement of YSUSA programs at the highest levels
of DOD leadership, the use of these "in-kind" resources for
broader social purposes represents a significant opportunity
for expanding national training options. Failure to capitalize
on the use of "in-kind" resources at a time when federal
dollars for social programs are decreasing would be a tragic
waste. YSUSA has already successfully demonstrated that this
can be done without interfering with the primary mission of
the military.
Urgent Youth Employment Needs - The severity of the youth
employment problem across the nation cannot be overemphasized.
Many military installations are located in or near communities
having a large pool of unemployed and unskilled youth. Typically,
too, each community has a demand for skilled technical labor that
is greater than the available labor pool. In addition, many military
installations have difficulty finding skilled civilian personnel in
the surrounding community to fill existing unsubsidized jobs.
Again, the opportunity to respond to community needs with existing
resources should not be overlooked.
Fragmentation of Youth Program Efforts - The lack of coordination
of current program efforts severely hampers their ultimate
effectiveness. This gross fragmentation is evident in the lack of
linkage among programs in the field and central offices and between
bases and community resources.
Our objectives in designing the three-year plan are:
To obtain jobs and assist eight communities and the surrounding
Department of Defense installations in achieving maximum
utilization of their facilities, and to establish job skill development
and training programs for economically disadvantaged youth,
without interfering with the primary mission of the military.
To assist in the expansion and enhancement of the Youth Service
Phase II Program concept by creating an awareness of and providing
technical assistance and training to additional military installations.
Organizational Roles
NOSR, headquartered in Washington, D.C., will serve as prime contractor
under a Department of Labor contract (DOL) and coordinate the project;
develop training and public information materials; develop and install
Management Information Systems (MIS) at each site; and, provide on-
going technical assistance. YSUSA, headquartered in Memphis,
Tennessee, will function as the liaison with all levels of the military
and will monitor the work at each site. In, addition, YSUSA will
support the entire effort by making available "in-kind" resources at
its bases across the country. All four agencies will participate in
the planning of individual programs at each of the eight bases, in
recruiting local civilian leaders for service on advisory councils,
in identifying target youth groups, and in building community aware-
ness of and support for the youth career exploration and job training
programs.
Further information may be obtained from Youth Service U.S.A., Inc.,
Youth Service Building, 314 South Goodlett, Memphis, Tennessee, 38117,
(901) 454-4900, or from the National Office for Social Responsibility,
208 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, (703)
549-5305.
the
YOUTH SERVICE U.S.A., INC.
Youth Service U.S.A. (YSUSA), a national youth agency headquartered in
Memphis, Tennessee, originated a concept to develop vocational exposure and job skills
training at military installations. By using these military installations nation-
wide as sites, Youth Service U.S.A. has enabled young people from hundreds
of communities in over thirty states to experience educational training, recreation,
and motivational programs in a dynamic new atmosphere.
Winner of 13 National Awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, for its innovative programs, Youth Service endeavors to make
viable opportunities available for all young people.
The vocational exposure program was conceived in Memphis after the
death of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968. During that turbulent period
it was evident that some kind of youth program was needed to address the
frustrations of many young people. The Reverend Donald E. Mowery, Episcopal
Minister and Executive Director of Youth Service in Memphis, knew firsthand
of these tensions and decided to do something about them. His solution was to
incorporate a youth development program where young people could enjoy
themselves with wholesome recreation and be exposed to vocational guidance
and training in a controlled learning environment. The ideal youth program,
he thought, must focus itself on motivating youth toward a more positive and
meaningful life--a sense of direction which could effectively serve these young
people in a world in which they must ultimately compete.
After searching the Memphis area for a place of operation, Father Mowery
talked with the local Navy Memphis Commander and was granted permission to
use the Base facilities. Initially, he had asked to use only the recreational
activities on a day camp basis; however, after much discussion, recreational
activities were expanded to a full-fledged residential vocational exposure.
From one program in Memphis in 1968, the movement spread to three in 1969,
over ninety-five in 1975. Although the program started on a Navy base, it
wasn't long before the other services joined in and made their facilities
available. The Youth Service Program is now supported by all the military
services at the highest level.
What exactly does the Vocational Exposure Program encompass?
To begin with there are no cliques, no racial or neighborhood pairing found in
these programs--nor are they for any one particular group of youth (low-
income or middle-class) but for all young people regardless of socio-economic
backgrounds. By providing adult counselors to assist, Youth Service
challenges the youth to take the initiative in breaking down social and personal
barriers. One counselor is responsible for five to ten young people--he eats,
sleeps, works, plays, and experiences their conflicts for a week.
When the group arrives at a base, they are separated into groups and then
divided into teams. This is done for a variety of reasons. First, the youths
tend to stay with their own homogenous group--be it racial, neighborhood, or
school. Second, the learning situation Youth Service designs is based on peer
diversity and functions at its best when young people are introduced to contem-
poraries from different backgrounds.
Too many teen-agers involved in similar programs are put into groups which
are identical in background and this can serve to reinforce preexisting viewpoints.
Youth Service changes that method by directing its efforts toward attitude change
and social communication.
While on the military base, the youths will be treated to golf, swimming,
fishing, group sports, hiking, horseback riding, boating, and any other sports
activities available. In addition to recreation, vocational skill training is stressed.
Tours and demonstrations are plentiful and feature classes on electronics, gasoline,
diesel, and jet engine mechanics, avionics, sheet metal working, welding,
medicine, computer technology, and basic flight training to mention but a few.
Nutrition, too, is an important part of every Youth Service Vocational
Exposure Program, so the dining hall is always a well-traversed spot each week.
Here, the youths eat three well-balanced, tasty meals each day and can go back
for seconds or thirds if they desire.
In order to insure that each youth is healthy enough to participate in the
residential program, free physical and dental examinations are normally given
by military doctors and dentists. If any serious defect is found they are referred
to a local social agency or hospital with a complete diagnosis. Because of legal
and military mission requirements, only emergency treatment is available.
Nightly rap sessions play a crucial part in each program. The
program is structured so counselors and youth sit down together just before
"lights out" and talk about the many things young people have on their minds.
Most evenings the counselor just listens. Often a group can help a member with
his own problem solving--and while the counselor may explain confusing points,
philosophies, or try to guide them in a positive direction--he usually remains
detached. This personal attention that a counselor brings to his group is the
foundation of all residental programs and is considered to be the most important
single ingredient in any developmental program Youth Service originates.
Exactly how is a local Youth Service activity organized in a community?
Very simply. When called upon by a community or government agency, Youth
Service U.S.A., Inc provides the necessary technical assistance to implement
and coordinate a program. In most cases each program is community sponsored
and run on a nearby military installation. The local military is able to support
such programs under their Community Service, Community Relations, or
Domestic Action Service Policies which encourages military commanders to make
their facilities available for community projects on a non-interfererice basis.
Each local Youth Service activity works closely with public institutions
(schools, police, courts, welfare departments, etc.), private agencies, churches,
and civic-minded individuals. Many of the young people involved in the various
activities are referred by juvenile courts and are placed on a supervisory agree-
ment to a particular agency. This agreement enables a young person who has
been in trouble to avoid introduction into the criminal system.
Besides the professional staff, volunteers play an integral part, not only by
helping with young people but also by giving each Youth Service Program a
broader base in its community.
Youth Service Programs enlist the best facilities and technology in the world
for thousands of "Promising Young Americans" across the country. Any young
person who is reaching out for self-improvement and understanding is welcome to
join.
The uniquely effective feature of Youth Service has been the close personal
contact and communication between counselor and camper; continuing this "personal
touch" through follow-up visits, reunions, "big brother" type individual attention,
etc., becomes an integral part of the program.
The creation of a Job Skills Training and Employment Program has made
the Youth Service USA concept responsive to the needs of current youth. This
Program developed by YSUSA and the National Office for Social Responsibility (NOSR)
has been contracted through the Department of Labor (DOL) through NOSR as a
national demonstration project. There are eight demonstration sites throughout the
nation.
This program will utilize existing "in-kind" military and federal training
resources to equip young people with skills necessary for employment. Also,
there are skills taught in a classroom setting that will assist the employability
young people maintain jobs solicited for them from the private sector prior to
training.
RB/nmf 9/25/81