Should the government impose a mandatory year of service?
voluntary | literacy | impose | allocate | rigid
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Do the Math
Do the Math
Even though the government does not currently impose a mandatory national service program, there are service programs supported by the government, which allow Americans to serve local and international communities. In 1961, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps, a voluntary service organization where people live and work in a community abroad. In 1993, President Clinton established AmeriCorps, a voluntary civil service program that offers a wide variety of service opportunities in the U.S. AmeriCorps addresses critical community needs, such as mentoring youth and increasing literacy achievement. Though voluntary service programs are widespread, few people consider service as an alternative to college or getting a job after high school. These programs also have a rigid application process and are often competitive. People who do participate often report learning new and valuable skills, engaging more in their communities, and having expanded education and career opportunities.
Option 1:
Option 1:
One study found that 17% of job applicants with service on their resumes were called for an interview, compared to 8% of people without service on their resumes. Based on these data, which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. Job applicants with service on their resumes were more likely to be called for an interview.
B. Job applicants without service on their resumes were just as likely to be called for an interview.
C. Fewer than 1 out of 10 job applicants without service on their resumes got called for an interview.
D. Job applicants with service on their resumes were more than two times as likely to get called for an interview.
Option 2:
Option 2:
One study looked at whether AmeriCorps volunteers had a different perspective on community service after participating in AmeriCorps. Before serving, 47 percent of AmeriCorps members reported that they planned to become actively involved in their community. After serving, 79 percent of AmeriCorps alumni planned to become actively involved in their community. If 4,000 Americorps volunteers were surveyed, how many more said they planned to become actively involved in their community after Americorps than before?
Discussion Question:
Discussion Question:
Despite the many benefits of service, some argue that imposing a mandatory year of service after high school is too rigid. They may believe that service should instead be voluntary and integrated into high school, college, and even jobs. They say service should be a life-long commitment, rather than a one-year project. This option would also allow people to serve their community, while still making progress in their education or earning a living. In fact, some employers allocate time for community service, and studies show this benefits employees. For example, in a 2017 UnitedHealthCare report, 93 percent of volunteers in an employer-volunteer match program reported an improved mood, and 79 percent reported lower stress levels. Does your school allocate time for volunteering? Should employers be encouraged to allow time for volunteering? Or is a mandatory service year better for the community?
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