NELSON HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH SERVICE

Senate Passes Resolution Designating Global Youth Service Day

April 23, 2008 - Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson co-sponsored a resolution that passed the Senate yesterday designating April 25, 2008 as Global Youth Service Day. Senator Nelson has long championed youth service as an important aspect of a young person’s education.

"It is important that we not only educate our children to give back to their communities, but also to recognize the immense efforts of so many youth around the world," said Senator Nelson. "This day serves as motivation for our young people to become involved in projects that serve to help the 'greater good' and start them on a path of lifelong service."

This is the 20th consecutive year that Global Youth Service Day has been observed; nine of which have been global efforts with over 100 countries participating. The day engages millions of youth worldwide with the support of 75 lead agencies, 45 international organizations and 120 national partners.

"This generation has participated in service projects and volunteer programs more than any other time in history," said Senator Nelson. "This is a win-win situation as service-learning not only services the communities in which these young people live, but also the youths themselves."

A recent report by Civic Enterprises notes that 47 percent of high school dropouts cite boredom as their main reason for dropping out. Service-learning and volunteering have been shown to increase motivation and interest.

Senator Nelson recently featured Nebraska college students' alternative spring break service trips on his website (http://bennelson.senate.gov/springbreak/index.cfm). The response yielded 32 service sites, six participating groups or universities, numerous photos, and an international presence.

###



	Press Release	April 23, 2008
NELSON HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH SERVICE Senate Passes Resolution Designating Global Youth Service Day April 23, 2008 - Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson co-sponsored a resolution that passed the Senate yesterday designating April 25, 2008 as Global Youth Service Day. Senator Nelson has long championed youth service as an important aspect of a young person’s education. "It is important that we not only educate our children to give back to their communities, but also to recognize the immense efforts of so many youth around the world," said Senator Nelson. "This day serves as motivation for our young people to become involved in projects that serve to help the 'greater good' and start them on a path of lifelong service." This is the 20th consecutive year that Global Youth Service Day has been observed; nine of which have been global efforts with over 100 countries participating. The day engages millions of youth worldwide with the support of 75 lead agencies, 45 international organizations and 120 national partners. "This generation has participated in service projects and volunteer programs more than any other time in history," said Senator Nelson. "This is a win-win situation as service-learning not only services the communities in which these young people live, but also the youths themselves." A recent report by Civic Enterprises notes that 47 percent of high school dropouts cite boredom as their main reason for dropping out. Service-learning and volunteering have been shown to increase motivation and interest. Senator Nelson recently featured Nebraska college students' alternative spring break service trips on his website (http://bennelson.senate.gov/springbreak/index.cfm). The response yielded 32 service sites, six participating groups or universities, numerous photos, and an international presence. ###