Volunteering:  Good for Community or Good for Capitalism?

This month [May] take the time to consider how you could involve some of the older citizens in your community in your service-learning projects. "Every week thousands of older Americans give back to their communities by volunteering through groups like Senior Corps. From teaching young children how to read, to helping provide relief to those affected by natural disasters, seniors play an important and compassionate role in our Nation."  This from a Proclamation by President Bush declaring May, 2008, “Older American's Month”. Read the entire proclamation here:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/20080423-2.html . ...  From K-12 SL listserv, May 3, 2008.  

An announcement like this is heartwarming.  But there is a nagging thought:  do we promote voluntarism because it is good for the community or good for capitalism?

Yes, our immediate answer is the former, but that does not soothe the soul.  The nagging thought continues.  

Is our government promoting voluntarism because it is good for capitalism, that is, volunteers will do with their time what capitalists will not do with their money?  From a business’ standpoint, is it not a better business deal for a business to give away $1,000,000 in awards to volunteers instead of paying $100,000,000 in taxes?  

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2008 by a local nonprofit organization. 

1.     How can older Americans help in their communities?

(a)   Teaching children to read.

(b)  Assisting with disaster relief.  

2. What is the nagging thought?

(a) That voluntarism is not enough to address the ills of Montebello.

(b) That voluntarism is supported by businesses as a substitute for their paying taxes. 

June 26, 2008