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How has community service evolved over time and what changes have been made in public policy around it?

Jillian Lascelles

Community service has gone through a remarkable evolution over time, and significant changes have been made in public policy around it. From its early beginnings as a way to alleviate poverty and serve the poor and needy, community service has transformed into something that is more meaningful and impactful, benefiting society as a whole.

One of the most significant changes in public policy around community service occurred in the 1960s, when President John F. Kennedy initiated the Peace Corps program. The Peace Corps was a volunteer program aimed at promoting cross-cultural exchange, diplomacy, and development in poor countries around the world. This program was a significant shift from traditional community service, as it introduced a new paradigm of service that emphasized the importance of volunteerism and cultural exchange.

Another significant change in public policy around community service occurred during the Clinton Administration. In 1993, the President signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The CNCS coordinates and promotes volunteerism and service activities throughout the United States. It has also been instrumental in providing funding for community service initiatives, such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.

In recent years, community service has become a more systematic and organized field, with more attention being paid to measuring impact and effectiveness. Today, many nonprofits and government agencies use evidence-based approaches to community service that prioritize accountability, transparency, and outcomes-based metrics.

One of the most encouraging trends in community service today is the rise of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship refers to the practice of using entrepreneurial principles to create innovative solutions to social problems. Many young people today are starting their own social enterprises, such as nonprofits, social ventures, and benefit corporations, as a way to create positive change in their communities.

Overall, the evolution of community service has been a positive development that has helped to promote social welfare, cross-cultural exchange, and civic engagement. While the field has undergone significant changes over time, it remains an essential component of our social fabric, and a powerful tool for creating positive social change. As a user of social media, I am glad to see the power and potential of community service being shared and promoted online and through various platforms. It is vital to continue to support community service and the people and organizations that are dedicated to promoting it, so that we can all work together to build a better world.