Youth Service

Passion is what lets 15-year-olds walk up to a podium and speak of inspiration, hope, possibilities of changing the world and starting a revolution.

The establishment of a "Summer of Service" rite for young Americans of all backgrounds could help them find a sense of purpose at a pivotal age, hone their civic engagement skills, and expose them to role models in the community.

As the legislative battle over health care reform continues, politicians, health insurance representatives, employers, bus drivers, and teachers debate daily about how this proposed legislation will affect them today. Yet while we "old folks" argue, young people are proactively working to reduce future health care costs by addressing childhood obesity through service-learning.