Thomas E. Petri: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1240, supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1240, supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service Day. Global Youth Service Day supports and encourages community service and service learning throughout these United States, and enables millions of students to make contributions to their communities. America's young people, from kindergartners to college students, have the desire, energy, and ability to make a real difference in their communities. Global Youth Service Day is an opportunity for them to convert their ideas and energy into action. Through community service and service learning, we can inspire, empower, and celebrate young people who recognize the need to do something for their communities, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Service learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Service learning and community service enables students to not only learn about democracy and citizenship, but to become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service that they perform.”