Summer 2016 Series: Why You Should Support the #21CSC

Every Wednesday between June 15th and August 31st, we’ll release a new shareable image depicting a reason why it’s important to support the 21CSC initiative. Post these images on your social channels to let people know why the 21CSC is a good idea.   

July 27th – REASON #7 to Support the 21CSC: “…you don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve your country.”

National service has the power to bring people together. Young adults who serve in 21CSC programs develop a sense of civic responsibility and learn how to work with people who are different from themselves. Research shows that young adults who complete a term of service in a public lands Corps experience significant growth in their interest in community engagement. They also become much more confident in their teamwork and communication abilities.

General Stanley McChrystal said it best in an op-ed recently published in The Atlantic:

Young Americans could be paid a modest living stipend, work in teams, and build relationships with one another by solving problems together. Beyond the valuable work they would do to improve their country, young Americans would develop the powerful habits of citizenship as well as the leadership and professional skills that help them grow and stand out with their future employers.

In my 34 years in the military, I saw young men and women work with people of different backgrounds, learn the values of teamwork and discipline, rise to common challenges, and discover they were leaders. I’ve also seen firsthand that service ethic in community-based nonprofits like City Year, Teach for America, YouthBuild, Green City Force*, Earth Conservation Corps*, and other AmeriCorps programs. It is clear to me that you don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve your country.

*21CSC program