Sen Kennedy: The Next Generation of National Service

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Many years ago, on the fifth anniversary of the Peace Corps, I asked one of those young Americans why they had volunteered, and I will never forget the answer: "It was the first time someone asked me to do something for my country."

Now it's time to ask again. Americans young and old are looking for new ways to serve their communities and give back to their country. Today's hearing on national service will enable us to learn of new and better ways to provide those opportunities to serve.

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I'm proud to work with both of them again on the bipartisan Serve America Act. And I commend Senator Enzi for his support as we guide this bill and the reauthorizations of the National and Community Service Act and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act through our Committee. As always, he's an excellent partner.

The Serve America Act draws on some of the lessons of the past two decades of service programs:

* Service can make a greater difference in tackling problems if we focus on specific challenges;
* Service opportunities early in life can put young people on a path to a lifetime of service;
* More and more older Americans are interested in putting their skills and experience to work for their communities; and
* Forward-thinking social entrepreneurs are coming up with their own effective ways of tackling some of our greatest challenges.

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LINK: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sen-edward-m-kennedy-/the-next-generation-of-na_b_173629.html

Senator Kennedy. I don't know who could take his place. I hope that the young people will come forward to face the challenges of today. All of us need to do what we can.