March 31, 2009 - In case you have yet to hear, the U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act!
It was touch and go this week as service-learning and national service advocates waited on pins and needles for House approval. Conservative members of the House were rumored to be orchestrating an attempt to defeat the bill after the motion to recommit language included in the House bill was altered in the Senate version of the bill.
Alas, the bill passed today (despite the last minute drama) with a vote of 275 to 149--with strong bipartisan support.
Service-Learning United will sign on to a collective statement being put forward by Voices for National Service and Service Nation. We are also working on a service-learning message of thanks and congratulations, which will be posted to all of you tomorrow for review and sign-on.
We'll continue to keep you to speed on the latest developments--including plans for a possible signing ceremony or activities involving President Obama and Mrs. Obama.
For now--we breathe a collective sigh of relief and thank you all for being a part of such an amazing collective effort.
March 31, 2009
March 27, 2009
Still Speechless: Service-Learning Thank Yous and Next Steps
March 27, 2009 - It's been almost 24 hours since The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was passed by the U.S. Senate and I am still at a loss for words. I think sleep depreviation and a four-day diet of non-stop C-SPAN, popcorn, and Diet Coke will do that to you.
We understand the House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Monday. Since there was so much bipartisan and bicameral collaboration between the House and Senate, there is no need to send the bill to conference. Analysts expect President Obama to sign the bill as early as next week.
On Monday, we will urge service-learning supporters to thank Members of Congress for their support. As Michael Brown co-founder of City Year is fond of saying: "Thank yous are like hot pancakes. They need to be served right away." And of course, our job is only half-way done as our attention shifts toward promoting service-learning within the U.S. Department of Education and ensuring increased funding for 2010 (...just because Congress gave permission to spend more money on service-learning doesn't mean it will actually happen). But for now, we will enjoy the moment and gear up for Round 2 on Monday.
In the meantime, I want to publicly thank the amazing team of fierce and committed advocates working with and for you here in Washington, DC:
--Kelita Bak (Camp Fire USA)
--Ross Wilson (formerly with Youth Service America and Camp Fire USA)
--Vince Meldrum (Earth Force)
--Mike Minks (Youth Service America)
--Maureen Curley (Campus Compact)
--Teri Dary (SEANet) and
--our most recent recruits, Kari Arfstrom and Jodie (National Youth Leadership Council) helping with media outreach.
Of course we can't forget Alan Melchoir and Jim Kielsmeier who were always just a phone call or email away and ready to draft or dictate language for rapid response questions and requests for clarification from the Hill. Also special thanks to colleagues at Voices for National Service and ServiceNation: Jennifer Ney, Adam Donaldson, Emily Cherniack, and AnnMaura Connolly.
None--I repeat--NONE of this would have been possible without this team.
To our Merry Band of Service-Learning Advocates: there are a lot of congratulation messages circulating now--and each of you deserve every message that appears and more! I am proud to serve with you.
Get rest now because our next battle is just around the corner (smile).
~Nelda
P.S. - We should also recognize the staff members from both sides of the aisles in both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: Denise, Alex, Kim, Amy, Fred, Emma, Chris, and Adam (and everyone else I'm probably forgetting). They each found the perfect balance between doing their jobs as Committee Staff and actively listening to voices from the field. We had opportunities for genuine input. While we didn't get everything we wanted, we always had the chance to make our case and they always listened. And for that, we are extremely grateful.
We understand the House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Monday. Since there was so much bipartisan and bicameral collaboration between the House and Senate, there is no need to send the bill to conference. Analysts expect President Obama to sign the bill as early as next week.
On Monday, we will urge service-learning supporters to thank Members of Congress for their support. As Michael Brown co-founder of City Year is fond of saying: "Thank yous are like hot pancakes. They need to be served right away." And of course, our job is only half-way done as our attention shifts toward promoting service-learning within the U.S. Department of Education and ensuring increased funding for 2010 (...just because Congress gave permission to spend more money on service-learning doesn't mean it will actually happen). But for now, we will enjoy the moment and gear up for Round 2 on Monday.
In the meantime, I want to publicly thank the amazing team of fierce and committed advocates working with and for you here in Washington, DC:
--Kelita Bak (Camp Fire USA)
--Ross Wilson (formerly with Youth Service America and Camp Fire USA)
--Vince Meldrum (Earth Force)
--Mike Minks (Youth Service America)
--Maureen Curley (Campus Compact)
--Teri Dary (SEANet) and
--our most recent recruits, Kari Arfstrom and Jodie (National Youth Leadership Council) helping with media outreach.
Of course we can't forget Alan Melchoir and Jim Kielsmeier who were always just a phone call or email away and ready to draft or dictate language for rapid response questions and requests for clarification from the Hill. Also special thanks to colleagues at Voices for National Service and ServiceNation: Jennifer Ney, Adam Donaldson, Emily Cherniack, and AnnMaura Connolly.
None--I repeat--NONE of this would have been possible without this team.
To our Merry Band of Service-Learning Advocates: there are a lot of congratulation messages circulating now--and each of you deserve every message that appears and more! I am proud to serve with you.
Get rest now because our next battle is just around the corner (smile).
~Nelda
P.S. - We should also recognize the staff members from both sides of the aisles in both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: Denise, Alex, Kim, Amy, Fred, Emma, Chris, and Adam (and everyone else I'm probably forgetting). They each found the perfect balance between doing their jobs as Committee Staff and actively listening to voices from the field. We had opportunities for genuine input. While we didn't get everything we wanted, we always had the chance to make our case and they always listened. And for that, we are extremely grateful.
March 26, 2009
Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Expansion of National Service
Washington D.C. , March 26, 2009 – Following House action last week, the United States Senate today voted 79-19 to pass the most sweeping expansion and reform of national service programs in a generation.
After renaming the legislation the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” the Senate burst into a standing ovation for the Massachusetts Senator, who crafted the legislation along with Senator Hatch and whose entire life has been devoted to public service.
The Senate’s action follows the 321-105 House vote last week in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act. The Senate passed a substitute that largely mirrors the House bill, and differences between the versions are minor. House leaders are planning for a vote on the Senate-passed bill as early as Monday.
“I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law. This legislation will help create new opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives,” said President Obama in a statement. “Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”
The legislation would update and strengthen national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency created in 1993. The Corporation engages four million Americans in result-driven service each year, including 75,000 AmeriCorps members, 492,000 Senior Corps volunteers, 1.1 million Learn and Serve America students, and 2.2 million additional community volunteers mobilized and managed through the agency’s programs.
President Obama called for passage of national service legislation in his joint address to Congress on February 25, and the House and Senate have responded with swift bipartisan action. The legislation would reauthorize the Corporation and its programs, create new opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve, increase efficiency and accountability, support social innovation, strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure, and help usher in a new generation of service for America.
“At this time of economic crisis, we need service and volunteering more than ever. This bill will help unleash a powerful new wave of service and civic action to help tackle our nation’s toughest challenges," said the Corporation’s Board Chair Alan Solomont. “We thank the Senate for taking this historic bipartisan step for national service. We are especially grateful to Senator Hatch, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Enzi for their outstanding leadership, and to Senator Kennedy, who exemplifies the ideal of public service and who has been our friend and champion for decades.”
During four days of debate, numerous Senators explained how their own service experiences in the military, Peace Corps, and other organizations taught them valuable lessons and set them on a lifelong path of service. Senators shared real-life examples of volunteers and national service participants in their states providing vital services to address illiteracy, homelessness, disasters, poverty, and other social ills.
“Today’s Senate passage of the Serve America Act demonstrates welcome bipartisan agreement on the often neglected but indispensible value of citizen service in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing America and the world. The bill is a major expansion of existing national and community programs. Its goal is to tap much more deeply into Americans’ enthusiasm to serve, and direct it to areas and issues where it can make the biggest difference,” Senator Kennedy said.
“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” said Senator Hatch. “This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation. In my opinion, it is probably the most bipartisan bill we will see on the Senate floor this year. At every stage, Republicans and Democrats have been working together to craft this legislation in order to bring it where we have it today.”
“Even in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, Americans everywhere are looking to serve and give back to their country. They want to know how they can give and how they can help. They want to be part of an effort to improve society,” Senator Mikulski said. “This bill makes use of this new, invigorated spirit to serve, while putting people to work in specific areas of national need. This is a public investment that will pay dividends long beyond anything we can imagine.”
“A comprehensive reauthorization of our national service statutes is long overdue,” Senator Enzi said. “This is a fiscally responsible bill that will improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and eliminate waste in our national service programs. This bill will leverage the efforts of a few to mobilize millions of faith-based organizations, church groups, non-profits, and individuals to volunteer their time and energy freely to serve their communities.”
(excerpted from a press statement by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Read the full statement here).
After renaming the legislation the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” the Senate burst into a standing ovation for the Massachusetts Senator, who crafted the legislation along with Senator Hatch and whose entire life has been devoted to public service.
The Senate’s action follows the 321-105 House vote last week in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act. The Senate passed a substitute that largely mirrors the House bill, and differences between the versions are minor. House leaders are planning for a vote on the Senate-passed bill as early as Monday.
“I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law. This legislation will help create new opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives,” said President Obama in a statement. “Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”
The legislation would update and strengthen national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency created in 1993. The Corporation engages four million Americans in result-driven service each year, including 75,000 AmeriCorps members, 492,000 Senior Corps volunteers, 1.1 million Learn and Serve America students, and 2.2 million additional community volunteers mobilized and managed through the agency’s programs.
President Obama called for passage of national service legislation in his joint address to Congress on February 25, and the House and Senate have responded with swift bipartisan action. The legislation would reauthorize the Corporation and its programs, create new opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve, increase efficiency and accountability, support social innovation, strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure, and help usher in a new generation of service for America.
“At this time of economic crisis, we need service and volunteering more than ever. This bill will help unleash a powerful new wave of service and civic action to help tackle our nation’s toughest challenges," said the Corporation’s Board Chair Alan Solomont. “We thank the Senate for taking this historic bipartisan step for national service. We are especially grateful to Senator Hatch, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Enzi for their outstanding leadership, and to Senator Kennedy, who exemplifies the ideal of public service and who has been our friend and champion for decades.”
During four days of debate, numerous Senators explained how their own service experiences in the military, Peace Corps, and other organizations taught them valuable lessons and set them on a lifelong path of service. Senators shared real-life examples of volunteers and national service participants in their states providing vital services to address illiteracy, homelessness, disasters, poverty, and other social ills.
“Today’s Senate passage of the Serve America Act demonstrates welcome bipartisan agreement on the often neglected but indispensible value of citizen service in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing America and the world. The bill is a major expansion of existing national and community programs. Its goal is to tap much more deeply into Americans’ enthusiasm to serve, and direct it to areas and issues where it can make the biggest difference,” Senator Kennedy said.
“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” said Senator Hatch. “This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation. In my opinion, it is probably the most bipartisan bill we will see on the Senate floor this year. At every stage, Republicans and Democrats have been working together to craft this legislation in order to bring it where we have it today.”
“Even in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, Americans everywhere are looking to serve and give back to their country. They want to know how they can give and how they can help. They want to be part of an effort to improve society,” Senator Mikulski said. “This bill makes use of this new, invigorated spirit to serve, while putting people to work in specific areas of national need. This is a public investment that will pay dividends long beyond anything we can imagine.”
“A comprehensive reauthorization of our national service statutes is long overdue,” Senator Enzi said. “This is a fiscally responsible bill that will improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and eliminate waste in our national service programs. This bill will leverage the efforts of a few to mobilize millions of faith-based organizations, church groups, non-profits, and individuals to volunteer their time and energy freely to serve their communities.”
(excerpted from a press statement by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Read the full statement here).
This Is It: Senate to Decide on the Serve America Act (S. 277) Today
Ten years of work now comes down to the next six hours. The U.S. Senate is in the final stages of debating and deliberating landmark legislation that will dramatically expand support for service-learning in our nation’s schools and communities. Senate leaders hope to vote on the bill around close of business today (approx. 6-7 p.m. eastern).
We’re so close to making history, but we need your help.
Please call your Senators NOW! Every phone call and electronic message counts and your voice matters.
Call the Senate operator at (202) 224-3121 to get connected to your legislators.
Send an electronic message to your senator via his or her website. Ask them to vote YES for the Serve America Act (S. 277). Urge them to vote against any hostile amendment that will undermine this important piece of legislation and ask them to vote in support of the Serve America Act.
Here are talking points you can use to call or email your senator.
During Wednesday's debate 31 amendments were filed, and 7 were accepted by unanimous consent. In addition, several amendments of concern to the national service community were also filed.
Read an overview and explanation of these amendments. Special thanks to Voices for National Service for compiling this information. Once you call or email your senator, send a quick email to nslp@aed.org so we can track our outreach. Encourage your colleagues and friends to take action too.
If you’ve been waiting to call or email your Senator—please WAIT NO LONGER. Now is the time. Now is our moment. Today is the day.
We’re so close to making history, but we need your help.
Please call your Senators NOW! Every phone call and electronic message counts and your voice matters.
Call the Senate operator at (202) 224-3121 to get connected to your legislators.
Send an electronic message to your senator via his or her website. Ask them to vote YES for the Serve America Act (S. 277). Urge them to vote against any hostile amendment that will undermine this important piece of legislation and ask them to vote in support of the Serve America Act.
Here are talking points you can use to call or email your senator.
During Wednesday's debate 31 amendments were filed, and 7 were accepted by unanimous consent. In addition, several amendments of concern to the national service community were also filed.
Read an overview and explanation of these amendments. Special thanks to Voices for National Service for compiling this information. Once you call or email your senator, send a quick email to nslp@aed.org so we can track our outreach. Encourage your colleagues and friends to take action too.
If you’ve been waiting to call or email your Senator—please WAIT NO LONGER. Now is the time. Now is our moment. Today is the day.
March 25, 2009
Too Much CSPAN
I don't own a TV - I have a 7 year old instead. So I don't watch a lot of CSPAN. But I have been following the Senate debate on and off for the last 8 hours. I admit my eyes are getting a bit blurry. Every once in a while I look up to see what explanation CSPAN is using for the debate. While waiting to see if the Ensign amendment will be tabled I noticed that the description for the re-authorization of national service is "legislation that funds programs for students, retirees and formerly incarcerated youth."
I feel like that only touches on what we actually do. Good thing that CSPAN is not in charge of branding national service.
I feel like that only touches on what we actually do. Good thing that CSPAN is not in charge of branding national service.
The worst PART of it
The Senate is still debating the Serve America Act. And, while the vast majority of the comments have been positive - there have been a couple of hiccups in this debate. Just a moment ago Senator John Kyl (AZ) referenced the Learn and Serve America PART analysis conducted by the OMB in 2007.
Senator Kyl correctly identified that Learn and Serve America received a "Results not Demonstrated" rating. Which, lets be honest, could be a lot better. But, I think there is some misunderstanding about what "Results not Demonstrated" means. According to Expectmore.gov the "Results not Demonstrated" says a lot about measurement and not a lot about performance :
A rating of Results Not Demonstrated (RND) indicates that a program has not been able to develop acceptable performance goals or collect data to determine whether it is performing
So, we need better data collection -- which not the same as being a program that does not perform.
Senator Kyl correctly identified that Learn and Serve America received a "Results not Demonstrated" rating. Which, lets be honest, could be a lot better. But, I think there is some misunderstanding about what "Results not Demonstrated" means. According to Expectmore.gov the "Results not Demonstrated" says a lot about measurement and not a lot about performance :
A rating of Results Not Demonstrated (RND) indicates that a program has not been able to develop acceptable performance goals or collect data to determine whether it is performing
So, we need better data collection -- which not the same as being a program that does not perform.
Senator Hatch is Great
I am just sitting here watching Senator Hatch talk about the Serve America Act and I have never been more excited about the Senator from my home state. As Senator Hatch just said, "Service makes this country better and I am going to get as many of my colleagues as possible to support this bill." He is trying to get all 100 Senators to vote for the Serve America Act. WOW!!
The good Senator even talked about the importance of educating young people for democracy.
It is amazing to see the support and validation of all of the work that every one of us do everyday. I am not much of a policy nerd (unlike others who write in this space), but this is pretty exciting to watch. We really are going to get this piece of legislation passed -- it will be a new day for national service and service learning!
The good Senator even talked about the importance of educating young people for democracy.
It is amazing to see the support and validation of all of the work that every one of us do everyday. I am not much of a policy nerd (unlike others who write in this space), but this is pretty exciting to watch. We really are going to get this piece of legislation passed -- it will be a new day for national service and service learning!
March 24, 2009
Senate Debates Service-Learning and National Service Policy
Okay--call me a policy nerd, but I have seen almost every hour of the Senate floor debate on the Serve America Act (S. 277) since the floor debate began yesterday afternoon.
This has been the perfect combination of two of my most favorite things: service-learning and cable television. The only thing I'm missing right now is a big bucket of popcorn and a Diet Coke (smile).
You can watch live streaming coverage of the Senate on C-SPAN too...and I encourage you to do so.
Believe it or not, several of the Senators are making explicit references to service-learning during their floor comments. Most recently, Senator Dodd (D-CT), Sen. Udall (D-CO), and Sen. Akaka (D-HI) all made comments about the importance of offering service-learning opportunities for youth. Even more have talked about the importance of giving young people the chance to learn and apply the habits of active learning and citizenship at an early age. So our message is getting through!
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) is doing an amazing job fighting for the bill alongside Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). In the face of criticism from Republican colleagues, Sen. Hatch's support is unwaivering and unapologetic. For each argument that has been raised in opposition of the bill, Sen. Hatch stands up and immediately fires back with specific data, examples of national service in action, and an eloquent call for his fellow Republicans to rise above partisan politics.
WHAT CAN YOU TODAY TO SUPPORT THE SERVE AMERICA ACT?
1. Contact your Senator. Ask her/him to vote YES on the Serve America Act (S. 277).
2. If your Senator already supports the bill, ask her/him to make comments on the Senate floor in support of the bill (and to include specific remarks about the value and importance of service-learning in your state).
3. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. We'll post a letter to the editor template shortly.
This bill is not "a done deal." Last year, a similar bill failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by just one vote. Your voice matters. Let's make sure this does not happen in the Senate.
This has been the perfect combination of two of my most favorite things: service-learning and cable television. The only thing I'm missing right now is a big bucket of popcorn and a Diet Coke (smile).
You can watch live streaming coverage of the Senate on C-SPAN too...and I encourage you to do so.
Believe it or not, several of the Senators are making explicit references to service-learning during their floor comments. Most recently, Senator Dodd (D-CT), Sen. Udall (D-CO), and Sen. Akaka (D-HI) all made comments about the importance of offering service-learning opportunities for youth. Even more have talked about the importance of giving young people the chance to learn and apply the habits of active learning and citizenship at an early age. So our message is getting through!
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) is doing an amazing job fighting for the bill alongside Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). In the face of criticism from Republican colleagues, Sen. Hatch's support is unwaivering and unapologetic. For each argument that has been raised in opposition of the bill, Sen. Hatch stands up and immediately fires back with specific data, examples of national service in action, and an eloquent call for his fellow Republicans to rise above partisan politics.
WHAT CAN YOU TODAY TO SUPPORT THE SERVE AMERICA ACT?
1. Contact your Senator. Ask her/him to vote YES on the Serve America Act (S. 277).
2. If your Senator already supports the bill, ask her/him to make comments on the Senate floor in support of the bill (and to include specific remarks about the value and importance of service-learning in your state).
3. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. We'll post a letter to the editor template shortly.
This bill is not "a done deal." Last year, a similar bill failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by just one vote. Your voice matters. Let's make sure this does not happen in the Senate.
March 19, 2009
House Passes Landmark Legislation to Expand Service-Learning
Washington, DC, March 19, 2009–Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most significant overhaul and expansion of national service programs in 16 years. The bill comes in response to President Obama’s challenge to Congress to pass legislation that would usher in a new era of service and civic responsibility for our nation.
The House passed H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act bill by strong bipartisan vote of 321 to 105. This bill improves and provides new support for national service and service-learning programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, including Learn and Serve America—the only federal program dedicated to funding service-learning activities in local schools and communities.
“We applaud the passage of the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388) and are grateful for the commitment, bipartisan spirit and collaboration with which this bill was created, “ National Service-Learning Partnership Executive Director Nelda Brown said. “Nearly 100 service-learning organizations in schools and communities expressed their support for this landmark legislation. We are confident this bill will play a vital role in giving more young people the opportunity to learn and serve as part of their lives and educations.”
Read Service-Learning United’s letter of support.
Now, service-learning advocates turn their full attention to companion measure in the Senate, the Serve America Act, S. 277. The bill dramatically expands support for service-learning, increasing the authorized funding level for Learn and Serve America from $43 million to $97 million. It also includes many important reforms to streamline and improve operations and transparency.
The bill creates the Youth Engagement Zones, competitive grants for local school-community partnerships that commit to engage a majority of K-12 youth—with an emphasis on engaging all high school students—in a comprehensive continuum of service-learning opportunities in school and community-based programs. This idea was proposed, conceptualized and developed by service-learning advocates during a process that included a service-learning forum on March 10, 2008 at the College of William & Mary in Virginia and a several working group meetings, discussions at the 2008 National Service-Learning in Minnesota one year ago, and several conference calls and online discussions.
Read a summary of Serve America’s Service-Learning Highlights.
While service-learning advocates look forward to the passage of the Serve America Act, there are still some issues service-learning advocates are working to address before the bill is passed. We must now reach out Sen. Enzi as well as the Democrats serving on the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to make sure these adjustments are made to Serve America before final passage.
These key adjustments include:
1. Ensuring the Youth Engagement Zones are fully funded at $25 million.
2. Protecting the designated functions of the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse.
The House passed H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act bill by strong bipartisan vote of 321 to 105. This bill improves and provides new support for national service and service-learning programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, including Learn and Serve America—the only federal program dedicated to funding service-learning activities in local schools and communities.
“We applaud the passage of the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388) and are grateful for the commitment, bipartisan spirit and collaboration with which this bill was created, “ National Service-Learning Partnership Executive Director Nelda Brown said. “Nearly 100 service-learning organizations in schools and communities expressed their support for this landmark legislation. We are confident this bill will play a vital role in giving more young people the opportunity to learn and serve as part of their lives and educations.”
Read Service-Learning United’s letter of support.
Now, service-learning advocates turn their full attention to companion measure in the Senate, the Serve America Act, S. 277. The bill dramatically expands support for service-learning, increasing the authorized funding level for Learn and Serve America from $43 million to $97 million. It also includes many important reforms to streamline and improve operations and transparency.
The bill creates the Youth Engagement Zones, competitive grants for local school-community partnerships that commit to engage a majority of K-12 youth—with an emphasis on engaging all high school students—in a comprehensive continuum of service-learning opportunities in school and community-based programs. This idea was proposed, conceptualized and developed by service-learning advocates during a process that included a service-learning forum on March 10, 2008 at the College of William & Mary in Virginia and a several working group meetings, discussions at the 2008 National Service-Learning in Minnesota one year ago, and several conference calls and online discussions.
Read a summary of Serve America’s Service-Learning Highlights.
While service-learning advocates look forward to the passage of the Serve America Act, there are still some issues service-learning advocates are working to address before the bill is passed. We must now reach out Sen. Enzi as well as the Democrats serving on the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to make sure these adjustments are made to Serve America before final passage.
These key adjustments include:
1. Ensuring the Youth Engagement Zones are fully funded at $25 million.
2. Protecting the designated functions of the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse.
Download a full copy of Service-Learning United's Policy Update.
Download our Serve America Take Action Talking Points and Senate Outreach Contact List.
March 16, 2009
Service-Learning United Policy Update -3/16/09
1. Sign the Service-Learning United Letter of Support for H.R. 1388. Congressman George Miller and other Member of Congress want and need to hear from the service-learning community. Add your ORGANIZATION’S NAME to the list of organizations that endorse The GIVE Act.
- Read Service-Learning United’s Letter of Support.
- DEADLINE: TUESDAY, March 17 2PM eastern.
- Sign-on here. Please note: you must have the authority to add your school, project, or organization’s name to this list.
2. Call your representatives BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 AT 9AM eastern to urge them to vote in favor of this important Act.
- Read a Summary of the GIVE Act.
- Use these instructions and suggested talking points for your call.
3. Send your own letter of support for the bill to Congressman George Miller’s office.
- Refer to the telephone talking points for suggested text for your individual or organizational letter of support.
- Deadline: TUESDAY, MARCH 17 AT 5PM.
- Submit letters to Margaret.young@mail.house.gov.
4. Sign on to the Voices for National Service/ServiceNation/America Forward letter of support, which will be forwarded to House leadership .
- Read the letter here.
- Deadline: TUESDAY, MARCH 17 AT 5PM.
- To Sign-On: Email info@voicesforservice.org.
Your calls and letters are extremely important. Please let your elected leaders know that there is a high level of interest in strengthening national service and service-learning programs and we need their support.
March 13, 2009
Service-Learning United Policy Update -2/24/09
On February 24, 2009, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) announced the introduction of their “Service for All Ages” initiative, a group of four bills that will expand and strengthen opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve their communities. The initiative includes two bills that specifically address service-learning and youth civic engagement: the Semester of Service Act and the Summer of Service Act.
Click the legislation title below to read the full bill text and view the list of co-sponsors:
Semester of Service Act (S.465)The Semester of Service Act will give students in their junior or senior year of high school the opportunity to spend a semester participating in community service-learning for academic credit.
Summer of Service Act (S.466)The Summer of Service Act will create a competitive grant program that enables states and localities to offer students making the transition from middle to high school an opportunity to participate in a structured community service program over the summer months.
Click the legislation title below to read the full bill text and view the list of co-sponsors:
Semester of Service Act (S.465)The Semester of Service Act will give students in their junior or senior year of high school the opportunity to spend a semester participating in community service-learning for academic credit.
Summer of Service Act (S.466)The Summer of Service Act will create a competitive grant program that enables states and localities to offer students making the transition from middle to high school an opportunity to participate in a structured community service program over the summer months.
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