Service is an important lesson in citizenship for all Americans, especially young adults. Understandably, when Americans think of national service, military service first comes to mind. While citizens’ service in our volunteer military is critical to the security of our nation, there are other ways that young Americans can serve their nation, state and/or community. The Peace Corps is one possibility. VISTA is another.

Another avenue for national service is through the AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps has been expanded by Congress. Passage of $5.7 billion triples the positions available through the program which was started during the Clinton presidency. This is its largest expansion since it was created in 1993, and establishes a fund to help nonprofit organizations recruit and manage more volunteers. AmeriCorps offers a range of opportunities for Americans to serve, including housing construction, youth outreach, disaster response and caring for the elderly. President Obama, who cites his years working in Chicago neighborhoods for giving him his start in politics, has wisely made national service programs a high priority. He planned to sign the legislation upon his return from his overseas trip.

History has shown that during a time of crisis, Americans have turned to service and volunteering to help their nation and neighbors. We have seen evidence of this in Clinton County during these difficult economic times. Local residents have volunteered their time and resources to help neighbors in need. When Feed the Children distributed food and personal care items to local residents and families struggling with unemployment, many volunteers from our community and from across Ohio and other states lent a hand. It was especially gratifying to see so many young people from Wilmington College and local high schools among the volunteers that day.

The Associated Press reports that applications to AmeriCorps have exploded with the plunging employment market. In February, there were 9,731 applications submitted to the AmeriCorps online system, more than triple the 3,159 submitted in February 2008. In the AmeriCorps program, 75,000 people spend 10 months to a year helping build affordable homes or responding to disasters. Most receive an annual stipend of slightly less than $12,000. Last year, more than 500 AmeriCorps members helped coordinate more than 200,000 Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build 1,700 new homes. Some AmeriCorps participants also helped families get ready for homeownership.

The legislation recently approved by Congress outlines five broad categories where people can direct their service: helping the poor, improving education, encouraging energy efficiency, strengthening access to health care and assisting veterans. People working in these new corps would provide such services as weatherizing homes or teaching computer skills to seniors or the unemployed. The measure also encourages people to observe Sept. 11 as a national day of service and remembrance.

Participation in AmeriCorps can also help a person pay for a college education. The new legislation has increased education awards for AmeriCorps participants from $4,725 to $5,350. That money can be used to help pay for college or help pay off student loans. Future increases would be tied to increases in the maximum size of Pell grants. Sixth graders through high school seniors could earn a $500 education award for helping in their neighborhoods during a new summer program. And, the education benefit is not limited to young people. Those age 55 and older could also earn $1,000 education awards by getting involved in public service. Those awards can be transferred to a child, grandchild or even someone they mentored.

President Obama has called upon all Americans to “stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”

Service to one’s nation, state and/or community not only strengthens the country, but also makes individuals better citizens. Investing in programs to encourage service is wise use of tax dollars.