Every year, national service provides tens of thousands of people with a year of service that teaches the skills and provides the experience demanded by nonprofit, corporate and public sector employers who are looking for workers in this challenging economy.

Like military service, civilian service boosts pride among those who serve and can help make people feel a profound sense of connection to their country. It also provides countless benefits for communities and their residents.

We need to save service because service is the fabric of our nation. Service empowers people in the most challenging circumstances to lift up their communities and each other.