To meet the challenges our Nation faces, our youth must be well-educated and engaged citizens. Many of our young people already participate in volunteer service, and should be recognized for following in the tradition of generations of Americans who have served their neighbors and their Nation. But there are more needs to be met, and more young people who have the talents and abilities to help meet those needs.

The President issued his Call to Service to all Americans. As you use this guide to help American students answer that Call to Service, you will be helping our young people develop habits of service that will meet important needs in your community. You will also be helping them develop characteristics of responsibility and citizenship and connecting them to the basic principles and traditions of our democracy.

In addition to the materials in this guide, you will find resources to help you create service and service-learning opportunities for young people on the CD-ROM enclosed with these materials and online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov, where you will also find the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network. The USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network is the most comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer service opportunities available. You or your students can enter geographic information, such as state or zip code, and areas of interest ranging from education to the environment, to access volunteer service opportunities offered by a range of partner organizations across the country. Together, these materials will help you plan student service opportunities and engage young people in their communities.

With your help, this generation will fulfill great challenges and strengthen our Nation through a lifetime of service.