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AED's Experts Share Their Thoughts

In short: the opportunity to serve. Our world is at the turning point. If regional conflicts are to be ended and healthy economies built, we need to recognize that
in many societies, key leaders are young adults themselves.

The recent World Development Report, Development and the Next Generation
(World Bank, 2007), makes the point that, to be successful, every young person needs opportunity for youth development and, if necessary, a second chance to gain skills for the new global workforce. Young people also need the competencies
necessary to engage in civic life on every level.

My own work on national service showed that youth who serve—mentoring, tutoring, and building community—are almost two-thirds more likely to vote, volunteer, and contribute to political causes throughout their lives than are their peers who don't (City Year Evidence of Impact Studies, 200).

National service ensures success by offering leadership development across cultures that empowers entrepreneurial skills and lifelong learning to benefit the common good.

 

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