The Rewards of Community Service

The Rewards of Community Service

Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of June 21, 2004

When President George W. Bush arrived at Butterfield Junior High School in Van Buren on May 11, he brought with him a message of patriotism, commitment, and service while recognizing one area youth for years of volunteerism in her community. Alyse Eady, a sophomore at Southside High School in Fort Smith, was named in the president's address for her dedication to community service.

Working at the Jeffrey Boys and Girls Club in Fort Smith, Alyse tutors elementary students every Tuesday in math & reading and performs puppet shows with other volunteers. She also sings at Fort Smith Boys Shelter fundraisers and celebrates Black History Month each year by reading to children at her local library. Alyse's community involvement is an outstanding example of volunteer service that challenges each of us to actively seek opportunities to serve others.

In January 2002, President Bush uttered a similar challenge in his State of the Union Address when he asked all Americans to dedicate two years over the course of their lives to community service. Additionally, he established the USA Freedom Corps Office (USAFCO), which is assigned the task of building a culture of service among all Americans. The organization serves as a network for groups like the Peace Corps, Volunteers for Prosperity and Learn & Serve America.

In 2003, more than 63 million Americans took part in volunteer services and spent an average of 52 hours per person on volunteer activities. This accounts for nearly 29 percent of the American population and reflects an increase of 4 million new volunteers over the previous year.

Since the tragedies of September 11, our nation is more aware today of the need for community service than ever before. Congress has worked hard to increase funding for programs that support volunteer efforts, and we will continue to do so. In 2004, the Peace Corps received record high funding, and the USAFCO Volunteer Network linked 75,000 volunteer organizations through an online database, www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

On a local level, opportunities in community service are multiplying. Through USAFCO, over 900 communities have formed Citizen Corps Councils, which is an organization designed to mobilize emergency response teams. Additionally, the need for volunteers in police departments has increased 900 percent, and over 170 communities are now part of the Medical Reserve Corps, a group of health professionals who serve the community and train for emergency situations.

Arkansans are by their nature, very giving people and we understand the need to help our neighbors out. That is why it is important that we continue to stay involved in our community. Humane societies, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters constantly seek support from area residents, and that is just to name a few. In the true spirit of giving, I encourage you to find at least one avenue through which you can regularly serve your community. Remember Alyse Eady and her example of volunteerism, and reflect on the President's challenge to all Americans. The success that can be found in serving others is immeasurable.