John McCain Unveils National Service Proposal

Senator John McCain recently unveiled his national service proposals on his campaign website:

John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds – military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international – can renew America’s civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism.

In addition the site also prominently announces that Senator McCain is an orginal Co-Sponsor of the Kennedy-Hatch Serve America Act.  The bill would expand AmeriCorps by 175,000 annual service slots; expand Service Learning opportunities; encourage social entrepreneurship; establish a Civic Health Index; create Serve America and Encore Fellowships; launch a Volunteer Generation Fund; expand Volunteers for Prosperity and the Peace Corps.