Four years ago, I joined a national service program known as AmeriCorps. Throughout 2006, I gave my time at Atlanta's central library instructing people in need of learning basic computer skills.

I did not fully realize, until I joined AmeriCorps, how many people do not have basic computer skills. Teaching those computer courses at the central Atlanta library was an eye opener and no mistake. I'd describe my involvement with AmeriCorps as a reciprocal relationship. AmeriCorps had an impact on me, and I was able to impact my community by sharing my knowledge of the personal computer with those in need.

AmeriCorps is like a domestic Peace Corps. It allows Americans to give back to their community, serve those in need and make a dramatic impact upon the world they live in. AmeriCorps is a program worthy of recognition by the United States Congress.

Unfortunately, 128 Republican members of Congress --72% of their caucus-- voted against a resolution that simply says we salute AmeriCorps; we acknowledge the accomplishments of AmeriCorps; and we recognize the contributions of AmeriCorps [SOURCE: House Roll Call 271].

There's more...

Wow!  This is Congress at it's finest.  And some great tv viewing to boot.

The Labor, Health and Human Services bill is under consideration in  in the House this week.
And the Democrats are in their prime, and on their favorite turf.

Having restored funding to so many health and educational programs ravaged by the self-serving Right, many moderate Republicans are joining with the Democrats to push their hard core colleagues off the cliff into a heap every with 10 minutes vote knocking their amendments into the trash can.

I think I actually shed a tear..of joy...

There's more...

There seems to be a lot of blogospheric conversation about Edwards and his plan for National Service.

His full remarks on the topic at a Keene, NH town hall meeting can be found on video here: http://www.servenext.org/blognext.html

There's more...

Last week, Edwards may have started to pre-introduce a National Service program, something like AmeriCorps, but expanded, or maybe tied to his College for Everyone program, or perhaps even made a requirement for teens.

There's more...

There's big news today from ServeNext in New Hampshire.  Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich, a Democratic congressman from Ohio became the first candidate to sign ServeNext's Presidential Pledge to Expand National Service.

There's more...