[I posted this diary in the very early hours of this morning already, so I realize I'm breaking the rules. I hope I am forgiven. I don't think many people saw the diary and I'm going to try it once more in the hopes of getting a few more comments and suggestions. I think this is important. Please don't ban me. :) ]
We need a common purpose in this country and John Kerry needs to recognize that and give us a program to work with. That is the simple truth. After enduring a couple weeks of absolutely horrid news, both out of Iraq and within the country, I need some hope and I want the man I plan to vote for in November to give it to me.
I want Kerry to propose a serious push in volunteerism. It should be a program with strong funding, aimed at all people but particularly the youth in the country. It should focus on integration and coordination with local charities and humanitarian groups. Basically, I'm thinking of some sort of central agency that would take interested calls, gather information and then direct people toward registered organizations that could use their help and that the volunteer would be interested in helping.
I believe a component of this program should also focus on rebuilding our national parks and national forest sites. We need a widespread restoration of outdoor recreational areas. There are surely hundreds--probably thousands--of sites that could use some real work and I think this would be a perfect opportunity to get a lot of that work done while inspiring people throughout the country. It would help to undo some of the damage to the environment that has occurred over the last few years and would bring in increased tax revenue at both the local and federal levels. Frankly, I think a lot of people would be interested in this. It would be work, but it would be outdoors in forests, at campsites, by rivers and creeks, in the mountains, on our beaches, and so on. It would be great summer projects and I really do believe a lot of people would be interested.
This effort should pay heavy attention to college campuses across the nation, as well as high schools. There could be tie-ins with gaining school credits and maybe even financial aid. What about tying in financial aid for certain areas of study to volunteerism in that area? What if those receiving financial aid to get into the nursing field were required to do work at nursing homes? Obviously, this starts to get away from the volunteer aspect, but it still ties into the community service.
I have not fully thought out this proposal and I would love comments on it. What do you think the best ways to encourage volunteerism are? Do you think there are certain areas the focus should lay? Certain groups of people that the focus should be on? Or go after all ages and classes equally? Should it be tied in to government financial aid?
I really think the case could be made for such a program. After the terrorist attacks, there was an incredible desire by millions of people across the country to help out the American community, both locally and on a national level. I think that enthusiasm can be regained and applied to greatly improving our country. I absolutely believe that Americans want to help out fellow Americans and encouraging people might be all that is needed.
After 9/11, Americans have been placed into an almost constant state of fear and have been greatly divided politically. I really think the country is tired of this fear and division. It's time we reaffirm what is great about America and come together in common causes, working across class and race, gender and financial status and other divisional lines, in an effort to improve America and to make all of our lives better. All we need is for someone to call us to service. I truly believe this nation will respond.
(Originally posted on my blog, Nightmares For Sale)