Should the United States require a year of national service?

The U.S. Constitution is based upon the freedom to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." At the same time, volunteerism and service for the benefit of society are deemed worthwhile pursuits for people young and old. Prominent lawmakers and activists say that mandatory national service will strengthen our communities and increase young people’s pride for their country while academics and others state that practical implementation issues prevent this from becoming a reality. In this polarized country, will a year of compulsory national service unite people from different stations of life?

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Additional resources to think about

Should Young Americans Be Required To Do Public Service? Federal Panel Says Maybe
A federal panel is working on an answer to the question: In a country of more than 329 million people, should the U.S. require its citizens to perform public service?

Mandatory National Service
Two university faculty members discuss the possibilities of uniting Americans across the divide with mandatory national service.

Why We Should Expand National Service, Not Eliminate It
An executive tells the story of a small federal program and its impact upon communities.

THE DRAFT | The Selective Service Act
The Selective service Act of 1917 set up the structure of the conscription system as it exists today. This is the root of mandatory national service.

The Case for National Service
A series on the impact of national service programs like the Peace Corps on individuals and nations.

As US marks 9/11 with national service, here's how other countries do national service
This article from PRI's The World explores the many ways that countries around the world ask their citizens to step up and do their part for their country and community.

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Who created this message?

What kind of “text” is it?
How similar or different is it to others of the same genre?
What are the various elements (building blocks) that make up the whole?

What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?

What do you notice (about the way the message is constructed)?
What’s the emotional appeal?
What makes it seem “real?”
What's the emotional appeal? Persuasive devices used?

How might different people understand this message differently from me?

How many other interpretations could there be?
How could we hear about them?
How can you explain the different responses?

What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message?

What type of person is the reader/watcher/listener invited to identify with?
What ideas or perspectives are left out?
How would you find what’s missing?
What judgments or statements are made about how we treat other people?

Why is this message being sent?

What's being sold in this message? What's being told?
Who is served by or benefits from the message
– the public?
– private interests?
– individuals?
– institutions?

5 Key Questions of Media Literacy used with permission from the Center for Media Literacy.
Copyright 2002-2021, Center for Media Literacy, www.medialit.com

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