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Authors, sign in!Tomorrow, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act will hit the House floor. It is legislation like this that reminds me that leaders in Washington DC have the best interest of young voters in mind.
In this troubling economic climate, now is the ideal time to bolster community pride and increase involvement and volunteerism. The GIVE Act will triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, especially in forefront issues like clean energy, health care, education, and veteran assistance.
In a recent press release, Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, noted that this bill should be backed by members from both parties.
“President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service,” Miller said. “This bill answers his call. It is expected to be passed with bipartisan support in the next month in both the House and Senate – putting it on track to be one of the next major initiatives President Obama signs into law.”
You can read a full description of the bill here, but I am especially pleased to see initiative being taken to increase “green” service opportunities. Among the four new service corps that would be established, the Clean Energy Corps would encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures. As energy issues will become increasingly relevant to the young population, I am thrilled to see new areas for them to become involved.
The GIVE Act will also establish more incentive for students to get involved in their communities at a younger age. Middle and high school students would be able to participate in a Summer of Service program and earn a $500 education award to be used for a college education.
It is very inspiring for me to see our representatives making my generation a priority. As the future becomes more daunting, the GIVE Act will open doors for people of all ages to be a part of our country’s recovery.
Thomas Bates, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Democrats Work, says it is crucial that Americans reach out to the representatives to pass this bill.
“With your help, we will launch a new era of service that gives people of all ages an opportunity to invest in our nation's recovery through service.”
I encourage you to contact your Member of Congress and urge them to vote yes on the GIVE Act. Please do this by clicking here. This simple step is a critical step in sending a loud message to all representatives to show them we are ready to rebuild America and set us on the right track for a prosperous future.
Published March 17, 2009 by Kelly Jacobsen |
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Barack Obama
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Comments (2)
The bill also mentions camps (changed to campuses) and uniforms.
It sounds like the Hitler Youth. Anyone remember them? I'm sure the Germans thought that group, which is also mandatory, was a great idea, too.
Posted by Spirit Wolf
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March 20, 2009 4:30 PM
Posted on March 20, 2009 16:30
Hello, I'm a Americorps volunteer from Ohio. I'm in the NCCC.What they are talking about is campuses.When you join you go to one of six in the U.S.. Were you train in medical treatment,rebuilding houses,search and rescue and so on.We have white and black uniforms.My team responded to the Katrina and helped save many lives.I'm deeply insulted being compared to "Hitler Youth" Many Iraq war veterans and priest have joined Americorps to serve their community and I think they would also be insulted by this comment.
Americorps has been around for 30 years now and is also part of the American red cross.
Don't comment on something you know nothing about.
Posted by newstuff
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March 23, 2009 8:40 PM
Posted on March 23, 2009 20:40