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[A Proposal for Community Service] [2]
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (2)
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
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Clinton Presidential Records
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National Service
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Rick Allen
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[A Proposal for Community Service] [2]
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Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
CHAPTER THREE
Divider Title:
Chapter Three
National Service - An Overview
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Three
National Service An Overview
...
38 - 47
History of National Service
38 - 44
---
Vista
The Peace Corps
Harry Truman's G.I. Bill
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Jobs Corps
The California Conservation Corps
New Georgia Peach: A Volunteer Corps
Perkins Loan
Scope of Services
45 46
...
Benefits of Service in the Corps
46
...
Need for the Corps
46
---
Summary
47
...
NATIONAL SERVICE AN OVERVIEW
History of National Service
National Service is an idea as old as American. Time and again, Americans have
found new ways to honor citizenship and match the needs of changing times.
Lincoln's Homestead Act rewarded those who had the courage to settle the frontier
with the land to raise a family. FDR's Social Security Act insured Americans who work
a lifetime can grow old with dignity. Harry S. Truman's G.I. Bill rewarded the service of
World War II Veterans, transforming youthful veterans into an army of educated civilians
that led our nation into a new era.
The modern day continuation of National Service was the creation of the Peace
Corps thirty-two years ago in 1961. At its peak, the Peace Corps enrolled only 16,000
volunteers. In all probability, the low number of volunteers might be attributed to the fact
that service was in foreign lands.
VISTA
Volunteers in Service to America was a U.S. Government program established in
1964 to provide volunteers to work improving the living conditions of persons in
impoverished areas of the U.S., its possessions, and Puerto Rico.
THE PEACE CORP
President John F. Kennedy established the volunteer service organization on March
-38-
1, 1961, and six months later the first group left for Ghana. Since then 140,000 people
have served in more than 100 countries to "promote" world peace and friendship.
"Buy America First -- Serve America First". In 1992, nearly 17,500 people applied
for volunteer slots in the Peach Corps -- the most since 1979.
"To those people in the slums, cities and countryside struggling to earn a living,
unemployed, etc.; we should pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves."
By the middle of 1963, there were 6,646 field volunteers in Peace Corps programs
in fifty-six countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and the South
Pacific.
The average age of volunteers today is thirty-one, up from twenty-two in 1961.
Ninety percent are single and slightly more than half are women.
The majority of Peace Corps efforts are education-oriented, promoting good health
and hygiene, and elementary medical and dental treatment; however, there are also
agriculture, forestry, business urban development programs as well.
In 1992, they had more than 6,000 volunteers and a budget of $218 million.
HARRY TRUMAN'S G.I. BILL
The official title of the bill is "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. It
provided financial assistance to World War II veterans. Both the Korean War and
Vietnam War veterans received benefits under their own G.I. Bill. The Act supported the
economy against a postwar slump and served useful purposes by improving the national
-39-
education level, making better housing available, and preventing some 10 million veterans,
rapidly being discharged after the war, from glutting the labor market.
Sponsored by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and supported by veterans groups,
the Act provided four major rights: (1) special job payments benefits from the U.S.
Employment Service; (2) Up to four years of vocational or education training with the
government paying tuition up to $500 per year, charges for fees and tool allowance, and
living allowance of $50 per month for a single veteran and $75 for ones with dependents;
(3) up to 52 weeks of unemployment insurance of $20 per week, which was call the "52-20
Club"; and (4) Veterans Administration guaranteed loans to buy a home, farm, business.
Amendments in 1945 raised tuition payments above $500, living allowances to $65
and $90 and the home-loan guarantee from $2,000 to $4,000. These benefits were later
extended to Korean War Veterans and then expanded. During the Vietnam War the
Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 was passed, establishing a permanent system applicable
to all veterans who have served either in time of peace or of war.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
The earliest of the Roosevelt relief agencies was the Civilian Conservation Corps,
created in March, 1933, and placed under the control of Robert Fechner. Boys between
the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, a large number of whom had never worked before,
were drafted into the Corps, and were sent to camps where they worked on reforestation,
soil conservation, and other useful projects. Payment amounted to $30 per month, of which
-40-
$25 was sent to the boys' families. The Corps employed between 300,000 and 500,000 boys
at a time for periods averaging nine months each. By 1940 about 2 million boys had served
in it. Because of both the utility of its work and the physical and moral value to its
members, the C.C.C. probably won more widespread approval than any other New Deal
agency.
JOB CORPS
The Job Corps is a U.S. government agency that provides vocational training,
remedial education, health care, and personal counseling to disadvantaged youth in order
to enable them to find work. It is managed by the Employment and Training
Administration of the Department of Labor and was established by the Economic
Opportunity Act of 1964 as part of the Johnson Administration's War on Poverty program.
From 1973 to 1982 the Job Corps was funded under the Comprehensive Employment and
Training Partnership Act (CETA). Since then it has operated under the Job Training
Partnership Act, open-ended authorizing legislation that was passed in 1982.
Drawing on the experience of the Civilian Conservation Corps - which provided
public works employment for 2.6 million young men between 1933 and 1942 - the Job
Corps in fiscal 1986 housed, educated, and trained about 40,000 young men and women
from 16 to 21 years of age at 106 centers across the country. The centers are run by
private companies under federal contract. Training lasts from 6 to 24 months.
-41-
THE CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION CORPS
The California Conservation Corps is a state department created organization to
bring together two of the state's most previous resources its youth and its environment.
Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's, today's CCC is 2,000
young men and women between the ages of 18 and 23 working on challenging conservation
projects in rural and urban areas. Corps members earn a monthly paycheck, gain solid
work skills, improve their education ability and learn about career choices, while helping
California preserve its natural resources for future generations.
The California Conservation Corps is a model for youth corps worldwide, and is the
largest and oldest program of its kind in the country.
Since 1976, more than 40,000 men and women have been involved in this work ethic
and training program which stresses the value of a day's work for a day's pay. Each year
the CCC provides more than three million hours of natural resource work and community
assistance to the state. The CCC is also one of the state's premier emergency work forces.
With only an hour's notice, corps members can be on their way to control floods, fight
forest fires or provide emergency assistance to communities.
Young people join for many reasons - to work outdoors, take on a challenge, decide
on a career, learn new skills, or pursue other interests in natural resources. Corps
members are 18 to 23 years of age and come from all backgrounds. They earn minimum
wage to start and can work toward a 10 percent merit pay increase. They may also
promote to leadership and specialist positions. Those assigned to residential centers
-42-
contribute to their housing and meal costs. Corps members in the non-residential centers
live at home and commute to work.
After successfully completing a year, corps members can receive a cash bonus and
scholarship. Corps members may also extend their stay to take advantage of a number of
special programs, in which they might be a part of a helicopter fire fighting crew, or spend
six months in the wilderness rebuilding trails.
The CCC is more than a 8 to 5 job. Corps members attend academic and career
development classes several evenings a week. Computer learning labs have been
established at every CCC center. High school graduates attend community college, with
tuition paid for by the CCC. Corps members who haven't completed high school study for
their diplomas. To improve writing fluency, corps members keep journals -- the CCC
philosophy is that "everyone writes every day". During off hours, corps members are also
active volunteers in their communities. They conduct food drives, assist with local charity
events, or donate blood.
NEW GEORGIA PEACH: A VOLUNTEER CORPS (1993)
One of the first government-financed projects to combine community service with
educational rewards was launched in Georgia in February called the PEACH CORPS, it
employs 100 youths ages 17 to 25 who are working at minimum wage with 20 older men
and women on selected public works and human service projects in two rural communities.
The younger corps members who complete a year of service will earn $5,000 in
-43-
credit toward tuition costs at any higher education institution nationwide. Half the credit
will be paid by the Federal government, the other half by the state. The older participants
will benefit from an existing state program that enables them to attend any state school
free of charge.
The three year pilot program, created by the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs, is financed with a grant of $2.3 million by the National and Community Service
Act.
The program key is local participation. Corps members and crew leaders are
recruited from the communities they serve; every project has been identified by community
leaders as a pressing need.
PERKINS LOAN
Is public service a viable way to pay for education? Opinion on the matter is varied.
Currently, students who use a type of government loan called a Perkins Loan have the
option of working as teachers or in the Peace Corps to have their loans forgiven. Since
1972, the Government has cancelled $238 million in loans to students who have become
teachers in hard -pressed neighborhoods. But this represents a small percentage of the $15
billion in student loans made each year.
-44-
National Service, the new initiative, will embody the identical principles as the old
G.I. Bill of World War II. It will challenge our young people to serve our country and do
the work that should - and must - be done. It will guarantee those who serve, the honor
and rewards they deserve. It will invest in the future of our country as well as in those who
volunteer. It will help eradicate the growing domestic dangers that threaten our future.
Scope of Services
People of different ages and educational levels will be offered different ways to
serve. Special attention will be given to a few areas:
*
Thousands of young people will serve in schools - some as
teachers, others as youth mentors, reading specialists, and math
tutors. This will enable them to join the effort to insure that
our schools offer the best education in the world.
*
People will be sent into medical clinics to help immunize the
nation;s 2-3-4 year olds.
*
Police forces will be supported through a new Police Corps.
This Corps will be trained in walking beats, traffic control,
parking violations, and passing stop lights, etc. Others will be
organized and trained to assist kids to shun gang joining and
say "No" to Drugs!
*
The National Service Program will offer more than benefits to
-45-
individuals. Community groups with proven track records will
receive assistance in the payment of operating costs, thereby
enabling them to grow. Entrepreneurs will be able to compete
for venture capital to develop new service programs.
Benefit of Service in the Corps
One accomplishment of the Corps will be to bring people from all over America:
Jews from New York sharing barracks with farm kids from Georgia, Germans from
Wisconsin and Indians from Montana. Perhaps they won't learn to like each other, but
they will learn how to live and work together.
Need for the Corps
America's youth is in crisis. Rural whites and inner-city blacks know nothing about
each other. Racial tensions are boiling over. We are rearing a generation of young people
who have never experienced the rewards of discipline, hard work, and cooperation.
Our infrastructure and environment are in desperate need of repair. We have
unused barracks in abandoned military posts. We are forcing some of our brightest and
most dedicated young men and women to leave the Army and the other services. A new
nationwide Community Service Corps (CSC) would go a long way toward curing these ills.
It would offer immediate employment with long-term benefits to men and women.
-46-
Summary
National Service will exercise our talents and rebuild our communities. It will
harness the energy of our youth and attack the problems of our time. It will bring together
our nation's people, men and women of every age and race, and lift up our nation's spirit.
Thus we will have rekindled the excitement and patriotic spirit of being Americans.
By 1997, present plans are to have more than 100,000 citizens serving our country,
receiving education and training benefits in return. And hundreds of thousands more
people could be doing invaluable service because college loans no longer block the way.
They will have received training to perform Community Service and Then Received the
Reward of College Or Technical Training Through Government Grants. SERVICE FIRST
THEN REWARD!"
-47-
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
CHAPTER FOUR
Divider Title:
Chapter Four
Need For National Service
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Four
The Need for National Service
...
48 - 53
Introduction
48
...
Problems That National Service Can Solve
49
...
Community Service Now or Never!
50
...
Scrapping the Student Loan System Promise
50
---
Specific Needs
51
...
A Capsule View of Those Who Elect to Serve
52
...
Summary
53
...
THE NEED FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
Introduction
If our children are to have a decent life while paying for our follies, they must be
able to maximize their most important natural resource; intelligence. Our descendants can
survive our crushing legacy only if they can develop all their human capital. We should,
therefore, provide access to higher education and/or continuing education beyond high
school both for the blue collar and while collar aspirants for any qualified students who
want it.
The principal economic beneficiaries of continuing higher education are those who
receive it. Graduates in continuing and higher education earn over a lifetime a rising
income sufficient to pay for their education as in apprentice programs and degrees many
times over. However, it should be Community Service first, then education not as we
presently have: a default student loan guaranteed program with no requirement of service
before or after.
-48-
THE NEED FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
Problems That National Service Can Solve
Right now America is faced with problems that National Service can solve. We
have vast service needs in the face of a massive budget deficit, and we have thousands of
young people who need to be directly engaged in our national agenda.
In New York City, at least one-third of all students do not graduate from high
school, and only 25 percent of all young people are employed or are even looking for work.
These very problems are at the root of the labor force shortage cited in an editorial by
Newsday. National Service will not exacerbate the problem by pulling people out of the
work force as so stated. Rather, it will reclaim them.
Many young Americans no longer make the contributions that citizenship requires.
Most have never been asked to give themselves, and others don't know what they have to
offer. The promise of National Service is to bring youth from all backgrounds to
accomplish vital work for our country; caring for the disabled, tutoring homeless children,
rebuilding parks, gardens and recreation areas. Through service, young people learn how
to tackle different work in diverse settings, and to appreciate the broad mix of people who
are their co-workers and clients. Lessons like these are as vital as lessons from the
classroom in assuming the responsibilities of adulthood.
-49-
Community Service - Now or Never
The Time is Right. The time is Now. In a recent Gallup Poll, four out of five
Americans favored National Service, and federal legislators are responding to the mandate.
President George Bush had created an Office of National Service to develop his own plan,
and the Democrats have proposed a total of eight bills, many of which have the pitfalls of
Nunn's plan. They all see the potential service to pass on the values of citizenship to our
youth. Properly implemented, National Service could contribute to lowering drop-out rates,
helping our young people become more productive adults and reducing divisiveness among
ethnic groups.
Scrapping the Student Loan System Promise
It was a promise of great nobility and, it seemed, great practicality. As Clinton
basked in the adulation of the Democratic National Convention last summer - 1992, he
vowed to open the doors of college to "the sons and daughters of stenographers and steel
workers", by scrapping the student loan system, making aid available to families regardless
of income and allowing graduates to pay back their debt through community service or
payroll deduction based on their post-graduation income.
"Just think of it," he enthused, "missions of energetic young men and women
serving their country by policing the streets, or teaching the children or caring for the sick
or working with the elderly or people with disabilities, or helping young people stay off
drugs and out of gangs, giving us all a sense of hope and limitless possibilities."
-50-
Specific Needs
The following are specific need that a program of National Service if properly
formulated would alleviate:
*
Reduction of the vast number of functionally illiterate
teenagers and young adults;
*
Need for improvement of physical, mental and intellectual
development of nation's youth and young adults;
*
Need for assistance to government, community, and groups to
provide services, which are limited and presently in some
instances non-existent due to cost and lack of personnel;
*
Reduction of juvenile delinquency, prison population;
*
Saving of our natural resources;
*
Improve and develop recreational and environmental areas and
services;
*
Improve economic status of participants and nation;
*
Improve health and welfare of beneficiaries of such service as
well as participants.
-51-
A Capsule View of Those Who Elect to Serve
After your service in the Corps, you may pursue a job in a field directly related to
your training and service or seek a career in another area of interest. You may continue
your education on the undergraduate level or enter training in a vocational area. Some
may enter the military or become self-employed. No matter what your future plans might
be, the Service will have provided you an opportunity to increase your self confidence,
motivation, and direction.
Today, former members who have engaged in the many different national service
programs as: Civilian Conservation Corps; the G.I. Bill of World War II and its successors;
Vista, the Peace Corps, Teacher Corps; Job Corps; New George Peach Corps; and the
California Conservation Corps (CCC); to name a few can be found in all segments of the
workplace. They are park rangers, landscapers, fire fighters, energy conservation specialists,
youth program directors, recreational specialists, police officer, teachers, secretaries,
telephone repair persons, computer operators and programmers, and in the professional
areas of medicine, law, government, business, etc.
-52-
SUMMARY
NATIONAL SERVICE is an alternative to the "Something For Nothing" and the
"Every Man for Himself" thinking that has caricatured recent Liberalism and Conservatism.
Linking student aid to service stresses both obligations and rights of citizenship. This
proposal of Community Service (CSA) would unabashedly regard those who serve their
community and/or country more than those who do not. It rewards those who provide the
Service and then receive the rewards. There would be no defaults on student loans and
thus a great reduction in cost. NO SERVICE FIRST - NO REWARD - NO STUDENT
LOAN GUARANTEE!
-53-
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
CHAPTER FIVE
Divider Title:
Chapter Five
Supplement to:
Community Service - a Proposal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Five
Supplement To: Community Service A Proposal
...
53 - 63
THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT
Introduction
54 - 56
...
Summary of the Proposal
56
...
Performance and Rewards - Not Rewards for Promises
56
...
No Government Guaranteed Loan Programs
56
...
Individual Self Development
56 - 57
...
Benefits for the Nation and for Volunteers
57
...
Regional Learning-Service Centers
57 - 58
...
Staff Components
58 - 59
...
Terms of Service
59
***
Three Severance Options
59 - 60
...
Multi-Source Funding
60
...
Incentive Benefits Accruing to Service Volunteers
61
***
Tangible Benefits
61 62
...
National Lottery
62 63
...
COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT
Introduction
Presently, America is faced with problems that National Service can solve. We have
vast service needs in the face of a massive budget deficit, and we have thousands of young
people who need to be directly engaged in our national agenda.
In our large cities as New York City, Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans,
Pittsburg, Atlanta, Los Angeles, etc.; it is estimated that at least one-third of all students
don't graduate from high school, and approximately 25% of all young people are employed
or even looking for work.
Many young Americans no longer make the contributions that citizenship requires.
Most have never been asked to give themselves, and others don't know what they have to
offer. The promise of National Service is to bring youth from all backgrounds to
accomplish vital work for our country; for the disabled, for the poor and homeless., for the
aged and infirmed. Service projects might include: tutoring in schools; teaching community
recycling, renovating housing for the poor and homeless, serving in various capacities in
health care, inter-city education, recreational building - maintenance - repair; protection
of the environment and infrastructure building and repair.
This proposal is a potpourri of the forerunners of the various national, state and
community forms of National and Community Service. To illustrate a few: the various G.I.
Bills (World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars); Vista, Kennedy's Peach Corps, Teachers
Corps and the Job Corps. State and community endeavors are currently in progress
-54-
including the California Conservation Corps (CCC); New Georgia Peach; A Volunteer
Corps; NYS - City Volunteer Corps; and Boston's City Year.
-55-
SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL
Performance and Rewards -- Not Rewards for Promises
The Community Service Act (CSA) is designed not only to avoid the trap of less
efficient intervention. It is also predicated on a sounder principle. It is predicated on the
principle of providing Service First, Then Reward. The individual's real needs - not mere
wants - are serviced first. The individual's self development is enhanced by self-
improvement that is lined to service to the larger society.
No Government Guaranteed Loan Program
CSA is not another government guaranteed loan program. They have the drawback
of being riddled with fraud, defaults, and lack of control over institutions providing training
or education. Too often those loans are given on promises and not performance. CSA
provides some initial monetary incentives but, more importantly delayed monetary rewards
are assigned for learning completed and for job services successfully performed.
Individual Self Development
The individual benefits by service. Health wise, each individual is taught positive
health perspectives with emphasis on preventive practices. The physical and mental aspects
of health care are highlighted. Equally important are intellectual and social development
to foster leadership ability, appreciation of cooperativeness in daily living so that
-56-
participant's functioning in career and the civic environment will be enhanced.
Educationally, they will be directed towards achieving basic literacy, and high school
diplomas. Their paths may involve career training with job apprentice programs or work
towards college degrees.
Benefits For The Nation And For Volunteers
Whether directed towards job apprenticeship programs or motivated by higher level
employment opportunities for those desiring college education, each individual and the
nation benefit. The individual who obtains an equivalency high school diploma and job
apprenticeship, or the one who seeks higher education for enhancement have developed
their potential and enriched their lives. The nation benefits from such self-sufficient and
productive individuals.
The danger that the inner-city poor will be left out of present proposals is prevented.
In CSA efforts are directed to insure their survival, not their oblivion or neglect. It is
structured to guarantee that administrative initiatives will not overlook the poor and will
not be turned into a middle class entitlement program for middle class students.
Regional Learning-Service Centers
CSA initially envisions the creation of an appointed Commission composed of a
Board of Directors, directed by a Commissioner. Representative members will be selected
from a diverse pool. They will include members of our country's service organizations, our
-57-
large and small corporate establishments, various labor groups, education and military.
Optimally, they will oversee the creation of four regional training centers: a Western,
Central, a Northeastern and Southeastern Center.
The program is the key. This is the real investment. It is not a penal institution,
not a prep school, not a Job Corps Center, not a Civilian Conservation Camp, but it
borrows from them.
The facilities would be our active or deactivated military bases, where we already
own the real estate with power, water and sewer lines, and with roads and buildings
standing. The students would provide all of the services required. The facilities and
activities normally offered military personnel could be made available as well as the
educational and other training aspects. No military training would be permitted, however
military personnel may be utilized as instructors, advisors and counselors.
Staff Components
CSA envisions a multi-sourced staff. One growing pool of staff would be senior
citizens working both as volunteers and with token wages; minimal but not taxable nor
counted as income for pension and Social Security limitations.
Another source will be solicited from business with employees having particular
expertise to be instructors, consultants, etc. Corporations or businesses can place such
persons on Detached Service entitling them to maintain salary and benefits, just as if they
were servicing management.
-58-
In addition, as in #2 above, staff solicitations are to be made to community groups,
that is fraternal and service organizations. This concept is not intended to exclude
governmental organizations, nor reserve or active members of the Armed Forces nor the
educational community. Lastly, CSA will commence a training program for participants in
National Service program to become the "Cadre" of its staff.
Terms of Service
As noted previously, the essential dynamic of the process for self-improvement is the
synergy of individual training and community service linked together. Briefly, the terms of
the training service have four stages: first, three months of basic training; second, three
months of advanced training; third, six months of career and community service training;
and fourth, an additional year of community service. A participant may elect a second year
of community service based on performance and providing the need is present. Benefits
will be pro rata.
Three Severance Options
For the long term CSA offers volunteers completing their learning service experience
three future severance remuneration options: 1) completion of college educational
requirements for their four year degree with tuition and monthly stipend payments; 2) a
lump-sum cash distribution; or 3) military service with a lump sum distribution and
advanced standing in the initial enlistment period with some preferential selection in a new
-59-
a month time 24 months).
Participants are also enrolled in two long range fringe benefit programs. They pay
for those programs from their monthly stipends. One is a term life policy for $50,000.
This is a government sponsored program as during World War II. Upon service
completion, it is convertible to whole life. Another fringe benefit program is enlistees
mandatory participation in U.S. Government Bond purchases. For example, a $100 cost
of $50 bonds bought at $20 for twenty-three months, plus a last month's purchase of $40
equals a $1000 value at maturity. Participants may be allowed to purchase more in
multiples of $20 monthly.
Multi-Sourced Funding
In the real world of monetary constraints, it is imperative that the funding program
be designed to make the least new demands on the public treasury. For this reason CSA
envisions a multi-source funding. Obviously, there will be a need for governmental
appropriation. The federal government will provide its share of funding by issuing long
term bonds for the initial start up program. But it must be pointed out that with the
utilization of existent governmental facilities, camps, and bases, costs will be minimized as
existent facilities are more efficiently utilized. State governments will be called up to
contribute their fair share. The use of corporate and professional volunteers on paid leave
from the private sector will cut costs. Cost reductions will also come from the contribution
of military detached service personnel, and the military academies staffs, whose personnel
-60-
military career.
Incentive Benefits Accruing To Service Volunteers
The tangible benefits to volunteers are many. They will receive preventive and
corrective medical, dental, and optical care. General physicals will determine overall health
and medical problems and will receive proper treatment.
While aspects of participants' physical development are addressed, sufficient
attention to their intellectual needs will also be undertaken. Academic skills will be taught.
Volunteers will participate in the humanities.
Those lacking high school diplomas through tutoring and passing of an equivalency
examination can earn a diploma (GED). Having attained their high school diplomas, they
may take continuing education courses or various college level courses. Those enlistees
who are ready for the challenge of college courses will receive credit for approximately two
full years of college work for their full term of learning-service activities.
Tangible Benefits
To assure that enlistee's energies are primarily focused on their learning and service
activities, rather than distracted by frivolous leisure and too many recreational activities,
those in the program receive $300. monthly stipends for the two years. Moreover, their
severance remuneration is linked to completion of enlistee's educational requirements.
They are motivated by their eligibility to receive a lump sum distribution of $7,200. ($300
-61-
can provide various instructors, counselors, and supervisors.
Moreover, civilian volunteers will also assure savings. They will receive a stipend
equal to the national minimum wage. Additional economies can be gained by the
encouragement of corporate donations of supplies, services and equipment. They can see
the advantage the uses that donated medicine, equipment, furniture, books, and
recreational equipment have for the acceptance of their products by enlistees themselves.
National Lottery
Lastly, the burden of funding would be reduced by the introduction of a National
Lottery. An attractive model patterned on the past Irish Sweepstakes is feasible. Winning
would be tax free of federal and state penalties. Based on units for each million dollars
of sales and other proceeds, a variety of prizes are envisioned.
Agents - any non-profit religious, educational, veterans, charitable, fraternal,
community service organizations such as libraries, volunteer fire department or emergency
medical-ambulance services - would be considered eligible to participate. Agents would
be certified to set up shop at banks, post offices and other governmental agencies. Agents
would receive a commission of two tickets per book of a twelve ticket book.
Distribution of Gross Receipts
Advertising cost will be minimum because the media will be prepared to provide
that information as service to their clients. Administration cost will be limited 1/10,000
of gross receipts. Establishment of a two percent fund for the betterment of the sport
-62-
would be established. The activities supported will entail home-breeding, aid to the jockey
fund and aid to those in the backstretch as health care. The bulk of the monies are to be
designated for CSA.
Obviously, the National Lottery must be legislated. Legislation might include a
provision for $25 to $100 as an income tax credit.
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THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CORPS
...
64 80
Introduction
64
...
Corps Life
65
...
Training and Education
66 68
...
Basic or Recruit Period
66
...
Advanced Basic Period
66 67
...
Career and/or Service Preparation
67
...
Community Service Period
67 69
...
Corps Campus
69
...
Academic Credit Towards Degree
69
...
Functional Skills Program
70
...
Advancement Placement Courses
70
...
Miscellaneous College Credit Opportunities
70 71
...
College Level Examination Program (Clep)
70
***
ACT Proficiency Examination Program
70
...
Assessment of Experience
70 71
...
National Apprenticeship Program
72
...
Description
72
...
Apprenticeship Offerings
72
...
Term of Service
73
...
College Bound
73
...
Non-College Bound
73
...
How to Join
74 79
...
Process
74
...
Contacting the Recruiter
74
...
The Professional Recruiter
74 75
---
The Interview
75
...
Benefits
76 77
...
How to Find Out More
77 78
...
Service Learning Coordinators
78 79
...
Summary
79 80
...
THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CORPS
INTRODUCTION
Our Country's main asset is its people. Young people like you and your friends,
ready to make your places in the world. You're looking for opportunities to use the
education you've received -- to get more education -- and to prepare for tomorrow.
Unlike most civilian companies, you don't need experience to get a job in the
Community Service Corps. The Corps helps you find a job you're qualified for and it trains
you to do that job while you receive a stipend and benefits. Not many civilian employers
can match that offer.
If you have what it takes and are willing to work hard, the Corps will give you
important responsibilities and put you in leadership positions. And you'll have expert
training to meet the challenges of today's high technology.
There's something else "different" about the Corps. While your buddies are
unemployed or working back home with some local concern, you're doing something really
meaningful with your life by putting your talents to work for the Corps in a job that
benefits you, your family and your country.
The Community Service Corps may be just what you're looking for. But you've got
to want to learn, to develop yourself, to be independent, to set goals for yourself -- in other
words, you've got to want to be ready for tomorrow.
The Corps is the place to get ready.
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CORPS LIFE
Corps life is challenging, educational, rewarding, exciting and much more.
At your Satellite Campus, movies are shown nearly every night on closed circuit TV
in the lounge areas. There is a library, a store where you can buy everything from watches
to snacks at very reasonable prices, and an exercise area including weightlifting equipment.
The living quarters on the Campus are modern, close and comfortable. Each person
has its own bunk bed, a bunk locker, a stand-up locker, privacy curtain and reading light.
Showering and toilet facilities are modern and spacious although in military fashion.
You'll eat in modern, comfortable dining facilities where the food is good and
plentiful.
If you're married and your family is with you, you'll probably live on the campus if
facilities are available or you may live off if they are not. You'll receive special allowances
for housing and meals to help pay your expenses. You and your family can use all of the
facilities on the campus.
The Satellite site or campus is usually in or near a city so you can take advantage
of all the immediate and nearby area has to offer.
Everything you need will be nearby. As military bases do, the Campus will have
modern supermarkets (commissaries), well-stocked post exchanges, mini-department store,
bowling lanes, snack bar, recreation rooms, movie theater, library, medical and dental
clinics.
Physical fitness activities will help keep you in shape. Well equipped gymnasiums
-65-
are available and you can get involved in sports such as basketball, flag football, swimming,
softball, etc. Outdoor recreational facilities include athletic fields, tennis courts and a
running track.
Recreational centers may be available that provide equipment free or at low rental
cost for fishing, camping, skiing, scuba diving and other outdoor activities.
The Campus may have one or more religious leaders (priest, rabbi), representing
various faiths and corps members and families are encouraged to take part in religious
activities of their choice.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Basic or Recruit Period
Your first assignment when you come in the Community Service Corps, (CSC), is
basic or recruit training, which last about three (3) months. There you will learn what the
Corps is all about and make the change from your previous home life to the life of a Corps
cadet. A thorough testing program is administered in an attempt to discover your interests,
aptitude and qualifications for your career and community service project.
Advanced Basic Period
After basic training comes an additional training cycle. It is a continuation of the
basic training period. Emphasis on technical school training or apprentice (on-the-job)
training, depending upon what your Community service assignment might be. An indepth
-66-
program to develop your physical and health wellness is carried on. In addition an array
of courses will be presented in the academic area in order that you prepare for your career
and community service. This period is of three (3) months duration.
Career and/or Service Preparation
The third training period is a continuation of the basic and advance basic periods
but stress is on technical school training or apprentice (on-the-job) training, depending
upon the Corps service you've chosen and for which you're qualified. This training in all
probability will take place of the Campus in most instances. This would be a period of
approximately six months.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PERIOD
During your basic/recruit training period you learned what the Corps was all about
and you made the change from your previous home life to the life of a Corps cadet. You
then moved into advance/basic training which was a continuation of the basic training
period. Emphasis was placed on technical school training or apprentice (on-the-job)
training, depending upon what your Community Service assignment might be. An indepth
program to develop your physical and health wellness was carried on. You were permitted
to enroll and complete an array of courses in the academic area so that you would be
prepared for your career and community service. Your third training period was a
continuation of the first two, however, emphasis was placed on the particular training
-67-
required for the Corps Service you've chosen, qualified and the need of the Corps. This
training may have taken place on campus or off campus by a public, private or
governmental agency under contract. This training period would be from three to six
months.
Many of the Community Service projects that cadets will serve in will be off campus.
In some instances you might be able to remain on Campus for room, board and recreation
but serve in a community away from the campus. For example: serve as a health aide in
a hospital, clinic, etc. In other instances, one might serve as a park ranger and live at the
park. In all instances, all benefits and stipends will be granted you. Your Community
Service period in all probability will be 12 to 15 months. If you enlist for three years, then
the service period would be extended a full year.
There will be youth and young adults from all backgrounds joining you in your
Community Service as they did during your training. Your task is to accomplish the vital
work you have been selected and trained to perform. Examples of service would include:
caring for the sick or working with elderly or people with disabilities; helping young people
stay off drugs and out of gangs; and tutoring homeless and disadvantaged children. You
might be rebuilding roads, cleaning up the environment as in cleaning up recreational areas
in parks, shore and camping areas. In time of disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and
other weather disasters you will be called upon to help those less fortunate than most of
us.
If you're not planning on college right away and want to learn a skill first, you can
-68-
find out which skill area you're most suited for by taking a vocational aptitude battery.
Such a battery of tests predicts your potential in one of four areas: Mechanical,
administrative, general and electronic. Based upon your scores, your personal preference
and Community Service Corps, (CSC) needs, you're guaranteed a specific job or skill area.
Corps Campus
Academic Credit Towards Degree
If you like to pursue a college degree (2 or 4 yrs.) Associate for two years, Bachelor
for four years while serving, a program call Corps Campus can help you. This program
enables Corps personnel to pursue all levels of education, wherever you are stationed.
Through Corps Campus you can achieve any of the academic degrees earned by students
not serving in the Corps.
While serving in the Corps you will have the opportunity to ears:
High school diplomas or equivalency certificated (GED)
vocational or technical certificates
*
college degrees
The Corps Campus staff gives practical assistance every step of the way. This
includes career and educational counseling, testing services, information about financial aid
and general guidance about how to plan a program of study.
-69-
Functional Skills Program
Cadets can improve their reading, writing and mathematics skills by enrolling in
functional skills courses. Classes would comprise about 45 hours of instruction and may
be offered during on-duty and off-duty times.
Advancement Placement Courses
Advancement Placement Courses (APC) will be of such duration and contain such
content that upon completion of the course, a cadet will be able to take an examination
which will grant college credit. These courses will be made available to all who do desire.
Miscellaneous College Credit Opportunities
*
College Level Examination Program (Clep)
This is a battery of five general exams measuring college-level
achievement in the liberal arts. Subject exams measure college
level achievement in specific subject areas.
*
ACT Proficiency Examination Programs (PEP)
This is a credit-by-examination program offered by the
American College Testing (ACT) program that measures
achievement in specific areas.
*
Assessment of Experience
College credits can also be earned through the Experiential
-70-
Learning Assessment (ELA) process, which is offered by many
college and universities in the United States. Information to
help service members pursue and obtain credit for ELA is also
available from Corp Campus education specialists.
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NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Description
A program that is in the process of being finalized under an agreement between the
CSC and the U.S. Department of Labor, some Corps skill can lead to certification of
completion of apprenticeship in jobs comparable to civilian fields.
Eligible Navy men and some benefit from this program by receiving the same credit
for specified Corps work experience and training as those not in the Corps in the same
fields.
The program's major purpose is to develop highly skilled, Corps-oriented journeymen
who will continue to use their new technical skills in their Community Service Project and
later as their vocation/career upon completion of the enlistment in the Corps.
Apprenticeship Offerings
Such trades in the Apprenticeship Program: air conditioning and refrigeration
mechanic, aircraft engine mechanic, barber, carpenter, cement mason, cook, data processing
technician, data systems technician, dental assistant, draftsmen, electrician, fire fighter,
policemen, heavy equipment operator, pattern maker, photographer, illustrator, legal
secretary, machinist, maintenance mechanic, locksmith, telephone service, meteorologist,
office machines servicer, offset press operator, pipe fitter/plumber, postal clerk,
recruiter/career counselor, rigger, sheet metal worker, shipfitter, truck/auto mechanic,
-72-
upholsterer and welder. Just to mention a few.
Term of Service
You can enlist in the Corps for two or three years. A high school diploma, or
equivalency, is required. Therefore, the Corps encourages and prefers that young people
stay in school and graduate before coming aboard.
College Bound
For college-bound students, the Corps offers training and careers in executive,
managerial, professional, scientific, medical and leadership positions. The specific general
areas of study include: agriculture and natural resources, architecture and environmental
design, area studies, biological sciences, business and management, communications
computer and information science, education, engineering, fire and applied art, foreign
languages, health professions, legal professions, home economics, interdisciplinary studies,
letters, mathematics, physical sciences, psychology, public affairs and services, social sciences
and theology.
Non-College Bound
For the non-college bound there is training in the construction trade, plumbing,
electrical, carpentry, etc; health related fields as hospital aides and orderlies, x-ray
technicians, etc; and service areas as auto mechanics, appliance repair, etc. In addition to
-73-
academic training, apprenticeship contracts are arranged "on the job training."
HOW TO JOIN
Process
It is a common belief by many that to join any of the military services all you do is
go to a recruiter, sign some papers, take an oath of enlistment and leave for recruit or
basic training -- all in one day. This is definitely not true. Neither is it the norm for
applying for enlistment in the Community Service Corps.
Contacting the Recruiter
That's not the way things really work. Many steps are taken when joining or
enlisting in the Corps: the first is to contact your local Corps recruiter. (Recruiter could be
located in a local, state or federal government building, i.e., courthouse, post office, or
independent location. There's no obligation, and talking to a recruiter doesn't mean you're
in the Corps. In fact, your recruiter can't sign you up. That's done later by someone else
if you're qualified and choose to join.
The Professional Recruiter
The recruiter is a professional, well-trained member of the Corps. He or she can
provide you with basic information about Corps life, current pay (stipend) and other
benefits. The recruiter can't promise you a specific training or what area you will perform
-74-
your community service, however, your interest, aptitude and ability will be given high
priority. The final decision will be based on the need, (demand), of the country for a
particular area of service. The recruiter, he or she, can assist you in processing that can
result in your being offered a particular service training.
It's best to set up an appointment for your first visit with your recruiter. The local
recruiter's number can be found in the phone book under "United States Government,
Recruiting" or in the special government blue pages in large city directories.
The Interview
During your interview your recruiter will determine if you have the basic
qualifications for joining the Corps. He or she will ask about your background including
your medical history (broken bones, childhood diseases, surgery and so on); your interests
and hobbies; your education background; and if you have a police record. You'll also be
asked if you have every used marijuana or other drugs.
It is important to be completely honest with your recruiter. Misinformation, or not
telling your recruiter everything, can prevent you from being processed further for the
Corps.
After your interview, if you feel you would like to continue processing for the Corps
-- and if your recruiter feels that you have the basic qualification -- he or she can make the
necessary arrangements.
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Benefits
In addition to a reasonable stipend, (salary or pay), here are some of the benefits
you'll receive in the Corps:
*
housing and meals;
*
free medical and dental care;
*
30 days furlough (vacation) earned every year;
*
full pay and allowances during training, attending Corps schools, and during
community service;
*
savings from shopping at exchange store (PX), and commissaries;
*
free or low cost entertainment facilities such as gyms, movies, bowling lanes,
lounges, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming facilities and campgrounds;
*
advance education at little or no cost to you;
*
excellent career choice option upon completion of service
-
guaranteed right to complete a 4 year program leading to a degree
with stipend and free tuition;
or
-
selection of financial separation for each year served;
or
-
enlistment in the services, (minimum term in Army, Air Force, Navy,
Marine Corps, Coast Guard), with seniority for CSC service and
entrance with a reasonable grade (promotion).
-76-
*
you will have received training for a career at little or no cost to you; made
man acquaintances; became aware of the necessity for community service;
gain the satisfaction that you have served your country and those in need;
and finally have improved your sum total as a human being.
*
If you are married, you receive all of these benefits plus a monthly allowance
for your housing and meals if you live on base with your family. Medical and
dental care are available to your family on a low-cost, space-available basis.
TO FIND OUR MORE
If you'd like to find out more about why a career in the Corps is the best choice to
prepare you for today's high-tech world, call or visit your local Community Service Corps
recruiter. There's no obligation. You can find the recruiting office address in the white
pages of your local phone directory under "United States Government, Recruiting", or in
the special government blue pages in large city directories.
Service Learning Coordinators
Service Learning Coordinators, usually will be based in various schools or colleges,
who know the needs of community agencies, students and teachers. These coordinators
assure that students are placed in agencies where they have a good chance of success and
the agency's clients benefit. They advise teachers on making the learning students derive
from service eligible for academic credit. They are also available for counseling students
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to remain in school and receive a diploma. Dropouts are encouraged to attend evening
classes through continuing education so that they may prepare for and receive a GED.
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TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SUMMARY
During the course of your two year training cycle which included Recruit/Basic,
Advanced/Basic, Career/Community Service and finally performing your Community
Service for a one year period; you will have experienced the following:
*
The ability to do repairs, cook and bake, perform clerical tasks
as typing, computer operation and programming, gardening,
cleaning and maintenance, health services, security, etc.
*
Those in need would have been trained in basic academics
from grade levels 7 through 12.
*
The opportunity was granted to permit you to participate in
human development activities: music, drama, oratory, sports,
horticulture, photography gymnastics, painting, swimming, etc.
*
Participated in a Community Service project for one year which
you made not only your life worthwhile, improved the lot of
many unfortunate souls in poverty, ill health and the aged.
*
Through voluntary participation and mandatory participation
you were able to achieve approximately 60-65 academic hours
which in many instances be equal to an Associate Degree.
Some would go on to a four year college and after a period of
two years would be awarded a BA or BS. As graduating
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Cadets you leave the Corps ready for college work, self-
employment or in the employ of others.
Thus in the final analysis you have attained these three components -- the learning
of lifelong skills, discipline, self-respect and accomplishment; the mastery of subject matter
or the junior/senior high school and undergraduate levels and the development of the body
and the cultivation of aesthetic taste -- are all correlated.
A TASK WELL DONE
-80-
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT ...
81 - 89
Need for a Governing Body
Governing Bodies
81 82
...
National Commission and Regional Learning
-Service Centers
Physical Plants and Facilities
82 - 84
...
National Headquarters
Regional Learning Centers
Terms of Office for the Directors
84
...
Administrative Framework at Regional Learning
84 - 85
...
-Service Centers
Remuneration
85
...
Volunteers for Director Positions
85 86
...
Partnership and Sponsorship
86 87
...
Program Criteria
88 89
...
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT
NEED FOR A GOVERNING BODY
CSA is not interested in creating another bureaucratic
boondogle. But, because one cannot escape the need, especially
in federal programs, to effectively administer what congress
intended, there must be a provision for an adequate
administrative entity. Such administration is absolutely needed
to assure integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
A) GOVERNING BODIES
NATIONAL COMMISSION AND REGIONAL LEARNING-SERVICE CENTERS
CAS initially envisions the creation of an appointed
commission composed of a board of directors, headed by a
commissioner. All members of the national commission -including
the commissioner (chief executive officer)- - would be appointed
by the President with the consent of the Senate.
Representative members of the commission would be selected
from a diverse pool of talent. Talented members would be
-81-
selected from our country's service organizations, our large and
small corporate establishments, various labor and management
groups, education, health, banking, and commercial groups,
social services, the legal professions, and the military
services.
The National Commission initially would be made up of twelve
members. There would be one from each of the above groups
mentions, plus that of the commissioner. The executive officer
(administrator), of each of the Regional Learning-Service
Centers would automatically be a member of the national board of
directors. Optimally, the board of directors, headed by the
commissioner, would oversee the creation of four Regional
Learning-Service Centers: a Western, a Central, a North Eastern,
and a South Eastern Center. As the second, third, and fourth
Regional Learning-Service Centers were added, the total
membership of the Board of Directors would also increase.
B) PHYSICAL PLANTS AND FACILITIES
Because of the savings and loan debacle, the Federal
government's Resolution Trust Corporation has numerous
properties in the process of foreclosures and others being
transferred for sale at significant discounts. A suitable
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property could be retained and used for the commission's
headquarters.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
There is a large selection of suitable facilities that could
be chosen from the RTC's properties outside of Washington.
REGIONAL LEARNING-SERVICE CENTERS
A major tenet of CSA is the advantage of utilizing active
and/or de-activated military bases and installations for
learning, training, and service. These physical plants are to
be known as Regional Learning-Service Centers, They will afford
the perfect opportunity for first hand and on site observations
and evaluations of the workings of the staff and program.
On the one hand, observations can be made daily, if so
needed or desired, about the success of the techniques used. On
the other hand, suggestions for improvements can be noted and
carried out. Consultations from the staff and the cadets could
be readily obtained. Morale, programs, discipline, success or
short coming could be continuously evaluated and when necessary
adjusted.
Such a set up would be an ideal situation and a contribution
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to the success of the proposed national service program. It
would be advantageous for the individual, the community and the
nation. The money utilized by the Corps would be returned a
thousand fold to the nation.
C) TERMS OF OFFICE FOR THE DIRECTORS
The terms of office for directors might be a two year
duration with staggered terms of one-third every two years, as
in the U.S. Senate. The terms of the commissioner and the
executive officer (administrator) of the Regional
Learning-Service Centers would be four years.
D) ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK AT REGIONAL LEARNING-SERVICE CENTER
Basically, there will be an administrative and a clerical
staff. The administrative staff will consist of a chief
executive officer, a training officer, a personnel officer, a
medical, dental, and clinical dispensary person, a maintenance
engineer, a nutritionist, a business manager or a financial
officer, and an ombudsman. Clerical staff personnel will be
assigned to those administrators as needed. The clerical staff
-84-
will consist of paid employees, volunteers, and even cadets.
There will also be a collegiate senate type structure to
deal with infractions of discipline and poor performance. It
should be composed of two administration members, two corps
members, and one mutually agreed upon person from the community
of the regional center. An Appeals Board is also contemplated.
More serious offenses, such as endangering the lives of
others, serious property destruction or other criminal behavior,
comes under the jurisdiction of the local police, criminal and
judicial system.
E) REMUNERATION
The commissioner would receive a reasonable salary as would
the administrator of the RL-S Centers. Each would have a few
salaried staff members. The remaining board of directors'
members would be granted reasonable stipends or expenditures
related to their services.
F) VOLUNTEERS FOR DIRECTOR POSITIONS
Children, teenagers, young adults, senior citizens and other
-85-
members of our diverse society are regularly asked to perform
-and do perform- voluntary unpaid community services. So, why
not request such voluntary service from members of corporations,
business, banking, educational institutions, military, fraternal
non-profit and proprietary groups? Those institutions,
organizations, and corporate entities might be most willing to
elect to select a a qualified person with experience and
credentials to serve as a director on detached service to the
Commission. Such personnel would be entitled to maintain salary
and benefit, just as if they were serving management.
This concept is not intended to exclude governmental
organizations, nor reserve or active members of the Armed Forces
and Military Academies.
G) PARTNERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP
The Administrators' National and Community Service State
Grant programs would fund regional clearinghouses, which would
provide training and technical assistance to state and local
service programs. The National Commission through its Regional
Learning-Service Centers would work with the state and local
groups providing service programs.
Program authorization would leave great flexibility for
-86-
state and localities to design programs best suited to their
needs. Many types of placements offer the opportunity for
volunteers to make a real contribution to the community that
would not be possible through regular employment.
Though some programs seem to lend themselves to volunteer
projects better than others, the following examples are
illustrative and not exhaustive. Mentoring and tutoring
programs have a great potential for using volunteers to help
economically and educationally disadvantaged youth succeed in
and out of the classroom. Reliable, caring volunteers can help
elderly and disabled individuals live independently, saving
thousands of dollars that would otherwise be used to
institutionalize a healthy and dependent individual. Each year,
thousands of illiterate Americans learn to read through the
efforts of volunteers. It is estimated that over 20 million
more could benefit from literacy tutoring. It is definite:
examples of the benefits derived from the spirit of voluntary
service can be found in every state and community in our nation.
Short term efforts addressing unmet needs of the community,
such as renovation of abandoned buildings for the homeless,
clean-ups of unused parks, or home repairs for the low-income
elderly, are also appropriate volunteer service projects,
particularly those involving a group of volunteers prepared to
tackle a difficult job as a team. Such projects may be
-87-
integrated into a large program that allows participants to
reflect on their service and understand it in the context of
larger local and national needs. Because such projects would
not be undertaken, the labors of volunteers yield clear benefits
to the community.
PROGRAM CRITERIA
The Community Service Act vigorously calls for the creation
of meaningful opportunities for participants to provide services
that would not otherwise be provided. Only in that way can
there be an assurance that actual employees do not have their
regular jobs displaced. Similarly, it is critical that
participants do not perform "make-work" or "leaf-raking" jobs.
Rather, the project must entail activities that will provide
real benefit to the community and real training for the
participants. These criteria are designed to insure that both
the community and the participants will benefit.
Moreover, criteria are also designed to assure
responsibility and accountability. To that end, national
service proposals should work through the existing community
service structure, to reach out to disadvantaged youth by
removing barriers to service, and to ensure that programs
-88-
involve careful supervision, training, and the opportunity for
participants to reflect on their experience.
The wide range of organizations that have supported the idea
of community service. Educational children' groups, labor and
business, state and local governments, organizations
representing youth and older Americans, and civic and community
service groups has all been vocal about dealing with some of the
various dysfunctional community manifestations. The appeal of
addressing such problems arises from the satisfaction in dealing
with the needs of those being helped and also from the actual
benefits that the young participants gain from their
constructive involvement in community service: greater
connection to the community, easier transition from school work,
improved reliability, punctuality and perseverance on the job,
development of self-esteem and a sense of personal worth from
development of one's potential, stronger basis skills, an
increased ability to work with others, and a development of
practical critical problem solving thinking.
-89-
REGIONAL LEARNING CENTERS
...
90 96
Site Locations
90
...
Features of an Ideal Site
90 - 91
...
Military Base Preference
91 92
...
Health Service
93
...
Executive on Leave - - Military Detached Service
93
...
Cadre Training for Corps Members
94
...
Civilian Volunterrs Not Salaried
94
...
Utilization of Military Personnel
94
...
Cadet Responsibilities and Shared Service
95
...
Regional Learning - - Service Training
95 96
...
Basic Recruit
Advanced Basic
Training for Community Service
Performing Community Service
Some Potential Problems and Pertinent Questions
97 99
...
Standards for Enrollment
100
...
REGIONAL LEARNING - SERVICE CENTERS
Site Location
The number of participants included in the program has a direct and
indirect bearing on the number of Regional Learning-Service Center
and directly on the site location.
Being realistic as to a number of factors influencing the decision of
location as political, economic, philosophical, etc.; such might
restrict or limit the Corps to a pilot program and thus geographical
location becomes of prime importance.
FEATURES OF AN IDEAL SITE
The ideal site would be an active/inactive military base, preferably
an active base. An advantage of being located on an active military
base (without interference to the mission of the military) would be
economic.
Whether it be a military installation, other governmental property as
held by the RTC, or the vast complex of a private or public
educational institution, an ideal site should include the following:
1. Close vicinity to local, state and federal parks and
recreation areas.
2. Located near good transportation-both land and air;
3. Community acceptance of the Corps and its program;
4. Educational, recreational and cultural facilities located
and accessible nearby;
5. The size of the community to be sufficiently large
(population) sufficient to accommodate the Corps
contingent without overwhelming the "local natives".
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Regional Learning continued.
6. Preferably a veteran's or teaching hospital nearby
would be an ideal site. If a veteran's hospital,
then the Corps could deliver service to the patients
in return for training cadets interested in the medical
field. This could also be true for a teaching hospital.
7. Two sites would be a minimum to carry out an effective
program and thus do service to our land. One should be
located on the East Coast and the other on the West Coast.
MILITARY BASE PREFERENCE
The facilities of such an establishment are ideal. The real estate
is already owned by the government with the power, water, sewer
lines, and with roads and buildings standing. If the base is active,
there is a hundred fold blessing as not only would it meet all the
criteria heretofore stated, but the following benefits would be
reaped:
The physical plant is ideal. There are dormitory housing for
cadets and base personnel. In many instances, dependent
housing is available. Food service and medical/dental
facilities are established. Recreational facilities to include
a gym, swimming pools, lounges, and bowling alleys are
available. Outdoor recreation includes athletic fields, tennis
courts, and a running track. In addition, there usually will
be a library, classrooms, etc. to carry on instruction and
training programs. Post exchanges, commissaries and postal
stations are also on the grounds.
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The availability of the human element is obvious. The active
military personnel could be allocated to serve as instructors,
counselors, and tutors at no extra cost to anyone.
There are many choices from which to make selections for an
established site. Preference would be Air Force or Naval
Training bases. If anyone knows the military, such is obvious.
a. If two:
McGuire AFB-NJ/Ft. Dix-NJ
Orlando Naval Training Station -Fla
(1 on ea. coast) Alameda Naval Air Station - Ca
March Air Force Base
- Ca
b. If three:
Area of Midwest as Mich, Ill, Ohio, Indiana
C. If four:
South and Southwest
Corpus Christi Naval Air Station
Fr. McClellan - Alabama
Regional Learning - Service Center Staffing
ADMINISTRATION
A small salaried staff for administrative and clerical functions.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
A supervisor (engineer), and staff for maintenance of grounds and
buildings.
Such tasks would include furnishing heat and hot water,
housekeeping,
repairs
to
equipment,
etc.
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Regional Learning - Service Center Staffing continued
HEALTH SERVICES
There should be a suitable clinic/dispensary staffed 24 hours per day
to meet normal every day illnesses, aches and pains as well as
emergencies. Staff should be an RN, LPN and aides. A medical doctor
should be readily available on a moment's call. This would also be
true for dental and physiological services.
SALARIED INSTRUCTORS
This would include those for academic areas, arts and recreation.
EXECUTIVES ON LEAVE - MILITARY DS SERVICE
Solicitations are to be made from business and corporation employee,
as well as executives, with particular expertise to be instructors,
give counsel, or make guest appearances to and for the training
aspect of corps members.
The corporation, institution, government agency, foundation, trade
and management association, etc. would place such personnel on paid
leave and their expertise and service would be offered as staff
(unpaid) to the Corps. Salary and fringe benefits to be continued as
if they were servicing management of their organization. Military
personnel could be on Detached Service (DS), with identical
conditions as those for civilian personnel.
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CADRE TRAINING FOR CORPS MEMBERS
Initial staffing for training centers to be from retired
professionals, tradesman, artists, corporate and business volunteers,
and even retired military personnel.
Participants (cadets), showing leadership ability will be trained to
be staff and thus become part of the cadre. In addition, some may
have expertise which can be utilized in service as instructors.
Some members may even select both their career and community service
with the Corps with training right on base or campus.
CIVILIAN VOLUNTEERS NOT SALARIED
Volunteers would be non-salaried; however, they might receive a small
stipend for travel. In any instance, a tax rebate without injury to
pension or social security earning limit should be granted. Tax
credit might also be a possibility.
UTILIZATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL
Such personnel would be utilized as physical and recreational
instructors.
In some instances, they would act as academic
instructors, counselors and advisors. They would mainly be
responsible for providing instruction in the rewards of discipline,
hard work, and cooperation. There would be no military training!
The military would be on Detached Service (DS). The Corps is
directed by civilians and has final authority. Members of the
National Guard, Reserve, and from the various military academies,
could also act as academic instructors as well as in career training
and
community
service
preparation.
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CADET RESPONSIBILITIES AND SHARED SERVICES
Cadets will be trained to do the repairs, the cooking, painting,
clerical services, gardening, cleaning, truck and tractor services
and repair, assist in health and dental services, farming and
security. This would be done under Cadre supervision.
DUTY ROSTER
Individuals (cadets) will be required to perform various duties on an
equitable basis via a duty roster. In addition to the above, they
will also be required to assume the following duties: dormatory
leaders; kitchen duty (KP); guard duty (Fire watch) cadet officer of
the day; post exchange, commissary duty, etc.
Regional Learning - Service Training
BASIC/RECRUIT
There are four phases constituting the National Service Program.
First, there is the recruit/basic training period. In this phase,
emphasis is placed on testing for intelligence, aptitude, interest,
etc. Proper development of health/dental, and physical components is
stressed. In addition, both voluntary and involuntary academics are
presented and academic college credit/or GED equivalency is earned.
This
is
a
three
month
training
period.
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ADVANCED/BASIC
Second, this phase is a continuation of the above. Much more stress
is placed on the academics for college credit. There is a great deal
of familiarization with the cultural aspect of life as participation
in the arts, drama, music, etc. Cadets will be exposed to the varied
technical and apprenticeship training available. Counseling for a
career and community service preparation is offered. This is a three
month training period.
TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
Third, this continues with the content of the first and second
periods but career and community service preparation (academic and
practical), make up the bulk of instruction. Academics and cultural
pursuits are available both for college credit and/or
self-enhancement. Training, in some instances, will be taken on the
cadets base, or another training center, while at times it may be
contracted out to a public or private educational institution,
hospital government agency, etc. This is a three to six month
training period.
PERFORMING COMMUNITY SERVICE
Finally, this phase is the critical period of your Corps enlistment
and training. Based on your interest, ability, training, and need of
the country, you will serve one full year in one of the many areas
which you qualify. It may be for a governmental agency, community,
or nonprofit organization. In the health field, it could be as an
aide or LPN; recreation area as a guide, instructor, park or forest
ranger: in the field of education as a teacher's assistant,
instructor, library assistant; and finally with seniors as home-care
helpers, grooming, food preparation. The above areas are just a few
that training and service will be available. Service is for one
year.
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SOME POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND PERTINENT QUESTIONS
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
1.
Labor will be concerned about any loss of jobs to its
union members. Why should they favor the paying of taxes to
subsidize jobs for others while they become unemployed.
One of the essential criteria for community service jobs is
that the training is only allowed for needs that would not be
met under present circumstances. After training, participants
will most probably become a member of a union in their career
choice.
2. Colleges have sent off alarm bells because of a
perceived loss of students arising from the proposal to allow
students who have borrowed money to repay it based on their
income. Some college officials argue that longer repayment
periods would discourage students who are still carrying debt
from going on to graduate school.
Some students may accept that rational but the colleges will
gain by the training courses they will be able to offer
participants in the national service program. Moreover, the
program offers the potential to expand the pool of college
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students by reorientating towards studies those who without the
program would never have been motivated to enter college.
3.
Banks oppose plans to offer students loans directly
because it deprives them of a present from of revenue and
profit.
Granted they stand to lose $4.6 to $6 billion over five
years, but that is also the amount that tax payers would save by
direct loans, not even to mention the additional savings
resulting from from a lessening of the present default rate in
student loan repayments.
QUESTIONS
The idea of national service raises some major questions.
One of the key questions surrounding the national service debate
is whether a system of national service would be a federally
administered, centralized national program, or a decentralized,
state or local based operation. Similarly, it is unclear
whether national service participant would enroll in one
monolithic program with uniform service activities nationwide,
or whether participants would have the option to choose from a
variety of projects. Perhaps the main question -and the source
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of greatest controversy- is whether national service should be
voluntary or mandatory.
There are also some other questions. 1) What is the cost?
2) What bureaucracy is needed to decide what the public service
jobs will be? 3) What happens, if volunteers just don't show
up for work?
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STANDARDS FOR ENROLLMENT
1.
Co-ed
2.
Age
17 thru 27
3.
Education
Completion of Sophomore year in high school
4.
Health
Good - physical, mental and moral health both past and
present. Status determined by past medical history and from
results of physical and psychological examinations as part of
the acceptance process.
5.
Marital Status
Single/married
6.
Citizenship
U.S. Citizenship or legal alien
7.
Criminal Record
Misdemeanors acceptable but no manslaughter or felony
convictions.
8.
Housing
There will be separate facilities for men and women. There is
a possibility for married housing should the regional learning-
training centers be located on military installations. Special
permission at times may be granted for living off campus.
9.
Exceptions
In the event of extenuating circumstances a special waiver(s)
may be made via the admissions procedure.
What are the Rules?
"The CSA has five main rules: no alcohol, nor drugs, no
violence, nor refusal to work, and no destruction of property."
(California Conservation Corps - CCC)
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