Volunteerism and National Service

Volunteerism has been at the core of the American Centrist Party since its foundations. Volunteerism and Service is the core of what we are trying to accomplish for America through the Centrist Movement. The American Centrist Party cares first and foremost about making our communities, states, and nation the best it can be. Volunteerism brings out the best of all Americans and helps to make the best of America. That is why the American Centrist Party supports:

1. Establishing volunteer service requirements for extra credit for all middle school and high school students.
1. Extra volunteer time by students beyond extra credit will go to an educational trust fund where the more hours they perform in addition to their required hours they will get discounts or grants on vocational or college education after they graduate. College students will also be able to participate in a program that will reward them with decreased college costs and grants for school.
2. Encourage older students to mentor to younger students.
3. Voluntary classes and programs in after school programs from elementary to high school for American students.
4. The Department of Education will oversee this aid from a board of prominent American volunteers, educational professionals and philanthropists. Each state will oversee programs in their state to more easily coordinate with local school boards and local volunteer efforts in their communities.
5. Adults may also take advantage of this program where in certain volunteer fields they may gain reduced costs or grants for continuing education and job training.

2. Establishing a program where students interested in teaching, science fields and engineering receive reduced or free education.
1. Each student will be required to engage in at least six years of service in their field after graduation. This program will be similar to the service terms of the United States Military.

3. Tax Breaks Volunteers in critical fields such as EMS, Voluntary Tutors, and Civil Defense Personnel.

4. Establishment of a National Public & Civil Service Academy to train the next generations of civil servants. Many civil servants are retiring and or nearing retirement age and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find new replacements.

1. Establishment and creation of public & civil service training at American community colleges and public universities.
2. The National Public & Civil Service Academy will be set up similarly to the Military Academies of the United States of America.

5. The American Centrist Party supports encouraging adults to mentor and tutor American children and students.

6. The American Centrist Party supports setting up America Corps, Peace Corps and Volunteer recruiting efforts and stations throughout America.

1. These stations or centers will help be a contact point for those interested in volunteering.
2. Establish Volunteer Information Kiosks in public buildings like libraries, schools and courthouses.

7. The American Centrist Party supports working with private foundations, charities and volunteer organizations as well to help fund an offer logistical support to this effort.

8. The American Centrist Party supports and encourages businesses to offer unpaid time off to employees engaging in certain specific volunteer and national service activities.

9. Tax break, educational grants and cost reduction and unpaid time off volunteerism will be determined by the U.S. Congress and President with advice and consultation with charities, volunteer agencies and businesses. For example those who are volunteer firefighters, tutors, EMS personnel and Civil Defense personnel will probably be among some, at least for adults.

1. Educational grants and cost reduction will be determined by the Department of Education. Each state may also offer similar incentives and programs to be determined by each individual state as it sees fit.