Civic Engagement

Robert E. Litan proposed a plan on making it a requirement to be civically involved and to participate in service protocol. I think this is a great idea, however, one that needs some revision and analysis. Our country and society as a whole would definitely benefit from this. The involved individuals would gain an enormous amount of civic engagement and personal experience. They would become aware of various issues going on around us. Also, this would be great intentions for social need, and any other issue that needs to be taken care of. Civic engagement requirements would ensure benefits. However, will benefits be ensured with those who unwillingly volunteer and look at the requirement as something in which they have to do rather than want to do? I think not!
I am in the Social Justice Community here at the University of Denver where we have to complete a service protocol requirement of 40 hours for the academic year. I became involved due to this requirement, but also because of personal interest. At the Community Reentry Project where we help re-incarcerated people get out of jail and make than transition into society as comfortably as possible, I work in the food bank and also do office work such as filing, data entry and I administer intake assessments. I enjoy the work that I do. I feel like I am making a difference, especially knowing how re-incarcerated people get the run around when dealing with criminal backgrounds. However, others on my floor who are not so interested in volunteering dread being civically involved. They take negative attitudes to the sites and do not value the personal experience and knowledge that is available. I’m sure their negative perspectives equal less quality work and even discourage their fellow workers.
Civic engagement should not be a requirement but rather encouraged. This should not be forced upon people who have no desire to volunteer and give back to the community. Civic engagement can also be inconvenient for people. People work, participate in extra curricular activities, and have many other obligations that would infringe and collide with this requirement. Based on personal circumstances, what is convenient and a great opportunity for one person may not necessarily be for another person. I think that wanted to volunteer is a major factor in volunteering, as well as having enough time. Although Robert has proposed a plan that would be great and beneficial, there are some setbacks and underlying factors that need to be weighed.