Today, a fantastic NY Times op-ed highlighted the economic implications of investing in national service. Authors Bruce Reed and John Bridgeland remind us that the nonprofit sector faces incredible challenges in an economic recession—declining philanthropic and public resources hitting them right when people need their services the most. But they also make the case that investing in national and community service can address this problem, by creating jobs and providing services at a reduced rate. They advocate for the passage the bi-partisan Serve America Act, co-sponsored by Senators Kennedy and Hatch, which if passed, will dramatically increase national service opportunities for Americans of all ages.

Reed and Bridgeland closed their article with the following thought:

As Americans have proven in times of crisis, what we ask of ourselves matters a great deal. If we want to create the most jobs for the lowest cost with the least bureaucracy and foster the spirit of sacrifice that the president envisions, the economic recovery plan should find a place for more Americans to do good works in hard times.

Hopefully policymakers will heed their call to remember the nonprofit sector in the stimulus package and invest in national service as part of our economic recovery.

Click here to read the full article.