New Toolkit Launched to Address Income Gap in Youth Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, more than 40 nonprofit and government organizations joined forces with the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, USA Freedom Corps, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW), and the Corporation for National and Community Service to celebrate National Volunteer Week and the commitment of America’s youth to volunteer service.

Actor Stephen Baldwin, singer Michael W. Smith, and other President’s Council members joined White House officials and nonprofit leaders at a Boys & Girls Club in Southeast Washington to highlight the importance of youth service and recognizing youth volunteers. Youth members of the BGCGW FBR Keystone Club were presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service project “Capitol Hill Takeover.”

“Volunteers serve our community with tremendous dedication and enthusiasm,” said Jean Case, Chair of the President’s Council and CEO of the Case Foundation. “Without their assistance, we would not be able to provide the services vital to the health and well-being of our community.”

“Today’s young people face much more challenging issues than in the past,” said Roxanne Spillett, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Engaging youth in volunteer service helps arm them with the skills necessary to make a lasting impact on society.”

The event also launched a new online toolkit created in partnership with leading faith-based and community groups to engage youth from disadvantaged circumstances in volunteer service. “Youth Engaged in Service: How and Why to Incorporate Volunteer Projects into Your Youth Program” was developed in response to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service that found that youth who volunteer are more likely to succeed in school and avoid risky behaviors; but that there is a disturbing “class gap” in teen volunteer rates with youth from low-income backgrounds volunteering at a rate of 43 percent, compared to 59 percent for other youth.The free online toolkit is available at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/yes.

“This study highlights that service can turn a young person’s life around, especially youth from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Corporation CEO David Eisner. “Service helps young people succeed in school and in life, and fosters a generation of citizens who will serve throughout their lifetime.”

The online toolkit provides local youth leaders, coaches, ministers, volunteers, and community program coordinators with the tools and resources needed to incorporate youth service into their existing efforts in order to increase the number of youth from diverse backgrounds engaging in volunteer opportunities. The toolkit includes information on why it is important to engage youth in service, project examples, and strategies for starting and sustaining programs.

President Bush proclaimed April 27 to May 3, 2008, as National Volunteer Week, to thank America’s 61 million volunteers and recognize the many ways they improve our communities. Today’s event was held to kick off this weeklong celebration and honor those who give of themselves to serve their neighbor and Nation.

“This week we pay tribute to one of America’s most precious assets – our volunteers. Volunteers are tackling some of America’s toughest challenges, and our communities and country greatly benefit from their commitment and compassion,” said USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano. “America needs more volunteers to help meet critical social needs at home and around the globe. I encourage any American who wants to make a difference to visit http://www.volunteer.gov to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.”

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In 2002, President Bush issued a national call to service and created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans serve causes greater than self. As a signature White House initiative, USA Freedom Corps works to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility, and connect Americans with opportunities serve their country, their community and their neighbors. For more information, please visit http://www.volunteer.gov.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service and USA Freedom Corps. The President’s Council consists of 25 distinct individuals including entertainers, athletes, media personalities, and civic leaders who are appointed by the President to promote service and civic engagement by Americans of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit http://www.presidentialawards.gov.

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year the Corporation engages more than four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet local needs through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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