Mayor Bloomberg to require community service opportunities at public schools

I think the idea of giving students an opportunity to give back to their community is a great way to answer President Obama's call for increased service. One of the things that I see as important in life is the ability to understand how you can contribute to society and community service fulfills this goal. Instead of forcing students to participate in the activities, Bloomberg has it right in just giving students every chance to help out through mandated programs offered by each public school. The earlier we get kids interested in these kinds of activities the more likely they will be do good deeds for others in the future. Although Bloomberg didn't mention this, I think it one of the main reasons New Yorkers can benefit from this is that it will provide students (especially from underserved areas) with activities that are in safe and controlled environments keeping them out of the streets. Building up networks with local community partners will benefit schools and the businesses because both will see positive actions being taken by the youth that will one day end up running the organizations. President Obama's call to service is something that I can appreciate and think we should continue to work on ways to give children every chance possible to participate.