Service as a Strategy: Promoting Democracy

"Youth engaged in service: A strategy for promoting democracy," was written in support of the view that a nation's youth must be prepared and willing to take their place as active, principled adult citizens of society for a democracy to thrive. It states that from voting to engaging in political discourse, to understanding how political systems operate, each successive generation must have the required tools to properly shape and participate in civil society and government. The paper contends that the participatory aspect of youth service aids in achieving this goal, and contributes to a heightened understanding of the forces that shape governments and societies. It gives support to the idea of empowering young people (through service programs) to play an active role in community development. The paper describes such programs as contributing to the evolution of democratic values as youth learn to reflect on the needs and traditions of diverse political cultures. In this regard, emphasis is placed on the power that service affords the youth to transcend traditional social divides, foster bonds of trust, and develop an ethic of working for the common good.