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COOL [Campus Outreach Opportunity League] Conference on Student Community Service, Illinois
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COOL [Campus Outreach Opportunity League] Conference on Student Community Service, Illinois
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Records of the Office of National Service (Clinton Administration)
Eli Segal's Files
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
National Service
Series/Staff Member:
Eli Segal
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
1295
FolderID:
Folder Title:
COOL [Campus Outreach Opportunity League] Conference on Student Community Service, Illinois
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S
66
2
8
1
Orientator
Keynote Address of Eli Segal,
communh voice
Shinty Mo
Assistant to the President and
Director, White House Office of National Service
meany Folector
n ever Wolfe
to the 1993 COOL Conference
reflector
Keistin Peail
on Student Community Service
evaluation
Stenley Leuy
Thank you for that introduction, and thank you all
for your warm welcome.
"Frients"
First time out of D.C. other that Rutjees since we took when
I realize that while you are here in Illinois talking
about service, many of your friendented classmates are
spending their Spring Break on Florida beaches. I'm
reminded of what Mark Twain said when he was asked
where he'd like to go when he died. He said that while
he'd choose heaven for its climate, he would choose
Chempaign, certainly irut Lell riberede,
hell for conversation. Well, which the company here is
Florida
well worth missing out on a little sunshine.
Hillay
It is a special honor for me to be able to speak to
all of you because I know that each of you have
already participated in community service, and that
15
each of you are here because service is an important
part of your life. I know with COOL I'm preachy to
the choiR. Youre teaching kid, to read. Your proveding shalter to the
nudy. Youre day environmental cudih. In hundred, of way,layer
small you make difference.
I find myself making a lot of speeches these days.
Before each one, I usually try to find out in advance
the names and stories of the people in the audience
who are most actively engaged in service. Then,
during my speech -- and much to their embarrassment -
- - I ask those two or three people to stand up and be
honored for their service.
My cup runneth over today; all of you deserve the
recognition I normally give to a few. But 1 don't think
that your being here together should obscure the
contribution that each of you makes in your own
communities. So I ask for everyone here who is
engaged in service to stand. I applaud you, the
President applauds you, and I ask that you applaud
each other.
- 3 -
Throughout his long campaign, Bill Clinton was
/
energized by people like you -- young people who are
renewing our national spirit. He knows and appreciates
all that you are doing in our communities, and for our
country. As President, he is not asking you to endorse
a Clinton policy for national service. Instead, he would
like to become part of your efforts, and help build on
what you have already accomplished.
CaRville - economy stupid - nat'l service
Novement stats
President Clinton is personally and permanently
committed to this effort. You need look no further
than his Inaugural Address, in which he told each of us
that "you too must play your part in our renewal. 1-
challengea new generation of young Americans to a
season of service [and] to act on your idealism.
- 4 -
This challenge is already backed up by action, as
the President's economic stimulus program contains a
2
request for fifteen million dollars for a summer service
program, which I will describe later today. The bill
containing this funding has passed the House and is
pending before the Senate.
- 5 -
Knowing President Clinton's commitment to
national service, you should be asking yourself, who
the heck is Eli Segal? When President Kennedy
founded the Peace Corps, he entrusted it to his
brother-in-law, Sargeant Shriver. Shriver insisted that
the main reason for his appointment was that he would
be easy to fire if the Peace Corps did not work out. I
admit, I will be easy to fire too. I am not a former
Governor, or big donor to the party. I'm not even from
Arkansas.
- 6 -
almost
All Bill Clinton and I share is a long history -- sies
twenty-five years now -- of being friends and caring
of hearing the challege of a wth your Present werould that
about and working on the same issues, During that do better.
done 2 things trudto elect
Done well insuly
time, I have been a businessman in Massachusetts.
I
one.
^
have never been in government before, and I propose
to run the Office of National Service in a very different
way from what we have learned to expect from federal
programs.
First, unlike most Washington bureaucrats, I want
as little power as possible. Instead, I want to empower
you and the communities you serve. The service
programs that work are community-designed and
community-based.
I promise to listen and tearn about
what is needed and how it can be provided.
- 7 -
Do you know what they say is the difference
between a Democrat and a Republican? Picture a man
drowning fifty feet offshore. A Republican would
throw him twenty-five feet of rope and tell him to
swim the rest of the way because it would be good for
his character. The Democrat would throw him a
hundred feet of rope and then run off looking for more
people to save.
- 8 -
There's a lot of truth in that, and I will do
everything I can to avoid the twin extremes of
callousness, on the one hand, and overinvolvement on
the other. The last twelve years have proven that even
a thousand points of light leave a lot of people in the
dark. But I must also admit that the programs of the
1960s and 70s proved that Washington does not have
all the answers either.
Only the American people as a whole can tackle
the social problems of our country. We in Washington
plan to help target the human needs to be addressed,
and then let the spirit and genius of people all over the
nation -- people like you -- design ways to meet those
challenges.
- 9 -
I also promise you that the Office of National
Service will be committed to results -- not rhetoric.
The final measure of any service is real change in the
lives of those we serve. Good intentions without
productive actions are a luxury we cannot afford.
I know that listening, and empowering others, and
insisting upon results, are all part of the COOL
message. I promise to adopt these principles in all that
we do in the Office of National Service.
- 10 -
Having made these promises, I now ask for your
help. No one except you can make national service
work. As Robert Kennedy explained a generation ago;
"it is the young people who must take the lead
[Change] demands the qualities of youth: not of a time
of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a
quality of the imagination, a predominance of courage
over timidity, [and] of the appetite for adventure over
the love of ease."
I've seen this in my own office, where half the
staff is under 25. They remind me every day -- and
sometimes very directly -- how much I can learn from
them. Kate FRucheR / XXXXXXXXXXX
I've also asked Ine of then --Kate Feucher --to to
join me + ity tomarrow. Shis "lrudy staakd welly
haty will Y Pedgle h, Net'l Service.
- 11
I ask for your help against the cynics, who will
insist that Americans aren't willing to renew their
commitment to each other. This kind of skepticism
great
greets every, new challenge. The formation of the
Peace Corps was called a "juvenile experiment" by
former President Eisenhower. We have already heard
that our proposals are too large, and that they'll cost
too much. We've also been told that our proposals are
too small, and won't make enough of a difference. This is
inside stuff + I hope. 1.L me, you woul Lu, it. I cent tell
And all of this comes before we have even proposed
legislation.
you how my times we're Leen introduce told that our
is DBA - evn defore we it 1
- - 12 -
But you already know about doubters and cynics -
- you've seen them in your classes and dormitories.
They include students who simply don't understand
why you wake up early to help at a homeless shelter,
or miss dinner so that you can serve one at a soup
kitchen. Each of you has chosen commitment and
community over comfort. We need for you take that
message to a country that is ready for new challenges.
- 13 -
For too long, our government has lagged behind
the willingness of citizens to serve. Could I see, by a
show of hands, how many of you have plans to do full-
time community service this summer? Of the rest of
you, how many are unable to serve because of a lack
of opportunities to do so? How many of you are
unable to serve because you need to make as much
money as a possible to pay for college?
We want to help you -- and thousands more like
you -- pursue your commitment to service. While we
are still working on a blueprint of a larger national
service program, President Clinton has already
proposed to make this summer a summer of service.
- 14 -
As Imentioned, we're halfway to obtaining funding for
such a program.
In anticipation of Congress' approval, we are
already accepting applications for community service
programs to organize this summer of service. These
programs will be partnerships between college and
community organizations, based in four to ten
population centers across the nation. The services to
be provided must be targeted to helping youth at risk,
through programs in four broad areas: health,
education, environmental protection, and public safety.
Let me give you a few examples of what this kind of
service might mean.
- 15 -
When it comes to health care, children are
needlessly at risk. It is shocking and unacceptable that
only half of all American two-year olds are adequately
vaccinated. While it takes health care professionals to
give the shots, summer volunteers could help find
children and educate parents.
In the area of education, there is a tremendous
need for young people who can tutor children and lead
literacy activities.
Such extra help over the summer
can make a huge difference in a child's performance at
school in the Fall -- and in all the years that follow.
- 16 -
Children are also at environmental risk, and need
people like you to identify hazards such as lead paint,
and to reclaim their playgrounds from debris and drug
dealers.
And our children need people like you who can
show them an alternative to gangs and violence.
We are already accepting statements of interest
from young people who would like to serve this
summer. We will be able to take about one thousand,
and are focussing on people from 17 to 25 years old.
They will be chosen locally, with special attention to
diversity and to identifying people who are potential
leaders in the national service movement.
- 17 -
In other words, we're looking for people like you.
If you know that you would like to be considered,
please drop me a card at the White House. Or better
& give us YOUR summer
address.
yet, go over my head to the President. We'W
send
you information about the programs in your area as
soon as they are chosen, and tell you how you can
apply directly to them. I cannot promise that you will
be selected, but I promise that you will be considered,
and that we will use your desire to serve as proof that
America's students are willing to lead America's
renewal.
- 18 -
The thousand chosen volunteers will begin their
summer with an intensive leadership training program.
They will then return to community service
organizations for at least eight weeks of work. Their
pay will be minimum wage, but with a $1000
education benefit that may be used for college or
training or to help pay off existing college loans. At
the end of the summer, they will be brought together
again for a youth service summit. President Clinton
and I will be there -- not to give speeches but to listen
to those who have served. We will learn what worked,
and what didn't work, and use that knowledge to help
build a national program.
- 19 -
It is our hope that some participants will want to
serve again, and we will provide them with placement
services. We hope that other participants will be
inspired to design innovative new programs to fight
community problems. We will provide grants to that
kind of public entrepreneur.
We hope that this summer of service is just a
beginning. Although our program for National Service
is still on the drawing boards, I would like to share its
outlines with you. I hope you will listen with an eye to
improving on it.
- 20 -
The first part of President Clinton's plan is
designed to help you pay back the loans it takes to
finance a college education. You and your parents
many
have made many sacrifices, and
of you are
already under staggering amounts of debt. Once you
are out of school, repayment of these loans is based
upon how much you owe, rather than how much you
can afford to pay. This system pressures you to take
the highest-paying job available, even if you would find
another job more rewarding.
- 21 -
This is a system in need of dramatic reform.
which hope to introduce later this Speng
Under President Clinton's plan, students will be able to
borrow the money they need for college and pay it off
as a small percentage of their income over time. This
will allow people like you to choose jobs that you find
rewarding, even if they pay a lot less money.
young people
But, better yet, we will also give
an
their
opportunity to help
pay for part of
education
through national service. Before, during, and after
college, students will be eligible to serve for a year or
two in return for an educational benefit that will reduce
outstanding loans or help pay for college or training.
Participants will also receive a small living allowance
and health care benefits.
- 22 -
We hope to start this program with 25,000 people
in the first year, and have it grow to over 100,000 in
1997. To give you some perspective, this will involve
six times as many people as ever served in the Peace
Corps.
But #s are misleading. Nore than anyth else,
I pledge to you a natural service initrative 100kd in quality. And this
That's Adrat we have planned so far
why I went to listen now.
I would at least like to get a rough
sense of your views on two of the tough issues we
face in trying to put together a legislative program. So
with apologies to Ros, PeRot, "I'- 111
EaRs."
- 23 -
First, we need to decide how to allocate whatever
funds we can get Congress to appropriate. Some
argue that our appropriation should fund service by as
many people as possible, even though that means that
each participant will get less money towards their
education. Others argue that we must provide a
substantial education benefit, even though that limits
the number of people who can be part of the program.
What do you think? Let me hear you applaud first if
you favor a larger program with a smaller individual
benefit. Now let me hear the applause of those who
should
think the benefit has to be large, even if that shrinks
the program.
- 24 -
These are not easy decisions. Let's do the same
thing with the level of benefits paid to college
graduates and non-graduates. Some argue that the
benefit should be larger for college graduates, since
they will have special skills that are of increased value
to our communities. Others argue that the benefits
should be the same for everyone who serves,
regardless of educational attainment. Who believes in
different benefits for differently skilled people? Who
I
believes in equal benefits for all?
someth this
choity so you
old could vie
the
a lot more of.
Whatever 10/11/ differented
we
need to resolve, we need you. Just hours
before the Presedent nealhed we ina-gumed me IN Toway
just
dr,
of
has
I
did what novime 50.7 to do to morrought
morning : I did withouthous with an Year. At
that time, I asked -- no, I insisted of n.k Brown
- regular re(2/+ card for +h service community. It
we'r 107 to make 25 - service th abiding ethre
of America, we need to be hald to a hyh standad.
Although our time is limited today, I want you to
know that President Clinton and I want to hear from
you. Please write to either of us at the White House.
Let us know when we do something right, and when
we do something wrong, and what we should do next.
You are our eyes and ears in your communities, and
we need your input.
really
In closing, let me tell you what I hope we will
Natil
service
at
its
that
IN
The
First
your
accomplish together. First of accomplish
country.
AMERICES needs you to
identifiable results in particular communities. By the
with your hil
end of this summer, we will have begun to keep a tally
of what national service can accomplish for America.
We will know how many children we have immunized,
and how many trash-filled lots have become parks.
- 26 -
not'l service will
Secondly, and less concretely,
werden
renew our
national spirit. When President Clinton speaks of
service, he likes to quote Martin Luther King's words
that "everyone can be great because everyone can
serve."
These words do not mean simply that the seeds of
greatness are within each of us as individuals --
although that certainly is true. They also mean that
greatness through service is not a scarce commodity --
that great people, unlike great scientists or great
basketball players, are not measured by the distance
between themselves and ordinary people. Great people
are measured by the lack of distance between
themselves and others.
- 27 -
America needs this spirit of community. Writing in
1839, deTocqueville said that Americans' "habits of
the heart" were what made our free institutions
possible. Today, in a United States that has grown a
hundredfold in size, complexity, and diversity, we must
nurture those habits by serving alongside, and listening
to, people of different backgrounds and experiences.
This feeling of connection to others -- and the actions
that back it up -- are our only defenses against the
fragmentation and isolation that would make large-
scale democracy impossible.
- 28 -
Let me end, as I began, by thanking you for your
service, and telling you how much it matters. I can
add little to the words Robert Kennedy brought to
South Africa in 1966. He said "each time a man
stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of
others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a
tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a
million different centers of energy and daring, those
ripples build a current that can sweep down the
mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
Thank you again for letting me be here with you
today. You are an inspiring group, and I know that
together, there is nothing we cannot do.
- 29 -