Couldn’t agree more with this concept, Adam. The execution is obviously a challenge. I did Teach for America post-college. And while the organization leaves much to be desired — on many levels — the experience was priceless. If there were a broader range of options, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to vote for something mandatory. And as it stands, I’ll highly encourage my own kids to consider doing a stint of service either before or immediately after college.
I've been a fan of this idea for years. I'd do at least a year, likely 2 but also able to do it from 18-24 and either before, durring, or after college depending on your want. You could also pair it with skilled trades where it would be part of your apprenticeship etc.
Your proposal of a "service year" has a certain programmatic appeal. We desperately need concrete actionable solutions to our social dis-integration.
I find myself asking "Service to what? For what purpose?" Mere social bonding? Something bigger? Your mention of teaching civics in school is relevant. Bonding in service to civic values and virtues that endure and sustain beyond the term of the service year seems very important to me. In their absence, we end up with a culture of narcissism and consumption which is mostly what we have now.
Thanks for your thought-provoking writing about important things Adam.
Service to the place you live, so this could manifest at the local, regional, or national level. I can envision multiple ways to serve. But, devil in the details.
It evokes the attunement of the Serviceberry (a lovely book by the same, The Serviceberry).
And, "If we want this lonely period to end ... intetacting, relating, and talking...attending to each other" I was reminded of Genwell.ca, Canada's Connection Movement.
Couldn’t agree more with this concept, Adam. The execution is obviously a challenge. I did Teach for America post-college. And while the organization leaves much to be desired — on many levels — the experience was priceless. If there were a broader range of options, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to vote for something mandatory. And as it stands, I’ll highly encourage my own kids to consider doing a stint of service either before or immediately after college.
I've been a fan of this idea for years. I'd do at least a year, likely 2 but also able to do it from 18-24 and either before, durring, or after college depending on your want. You could also pair it with skilled trades where it would be part of your apprenticeship etc.
Your proposal of a "service year" has a certain programmatic appeal. We desperately need concrete actionable solutions to our social dis-integration.
I find myself asking "Service to what? For what purpose?" Mere social bonding? Something bigger? Your mention of teaching civics in school is relevant. Bonding in service to civic values and virtues that endure and sustain beyond the term of the service year seems very important to me. In their absence, we end up with a culture of narcissism and consumption which is mostly what we have now.
Thanks for your thought-provoking writing about important things Adam.
Service to the place you live, so this could manifest at the local, regional, or national level. I can envision multiple ways to serve. But, devil in the details.
A delightful idea, universal service!
A Service Year.
It evokes the attunement of the Serviceberry (a lovely book by the same, The Serviceberry).
And, "If we want this lonely period to end ... intetacting, relating, and talking...attending to each other" I was reminded of Genwell.ca, Canada's Connection Movement.
I will send them your post, thank you.