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Editorial: Obama’s call to service must be answered

By Gaveliers, The Gavel Media Team, on December 7, 2009 5:47 PM

Shortly after his victory in the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama, drawing on a common theme from his campaign, stated, “Loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change.” Supporters across the United States, young and old, planned to meet this call to service with excitement. It seems, however, that the initial enthusiasm for service that existed among young people following his inauguration has dwindled.

Under the Obama-Biden Plan for Universal Voluntary Citizen Service, a $4000 tax credit for college students willing to devote 100 hours of public service a year, and the allocation of at least 25 percent of college work-study funds toward the support of public service opportunities, are cited as crucial objectives. These stated initiatives must be followed through, and sustained by young Americans willing to better their communities and engage in service-learning. Learning extends beyond the classroom, and promoting the well-being of our nation is a key part of citizenship.

Here, we have a particularly strong sense of service founded in the Jesuit tradition and maintained by the zeal of students.

In 2008, about one-fifth of students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities opted to participate in a service trip instead of taking a more “traditional” Spring Break — an opportunity offered here on campus by Appalachia Volunteers, a program that sent over 580 students last year to 36 communities around the United States. Many students also opt for 4Boston, a program that places students in community service opportunities for which the students commit to working for four hours per week. Opportunities to get involved on campus are seemingly endless.

Hopefully, this passion to serve demonstrated by BC can extend beyond our nation’s campuses . The Obama administration needs only to capitalize on the enthusiasm and potential that already exists in our nation’s youth. As this generation graduates from college, many will be seeking volunteer and public service opportunities. Obama acknowledged the existence of pressing national challenges that would benefit from service programs — it is time to acknowledge the call.