America Forward policy advisor Shirley Sagawa made a powerful case for the Serve America Act, in an aptly titled editorial – “A Chance to Make America Better.” Sagawa focused on the timeliness of the legislation, saying:

It could not come at a more critical time. Nonprofits are struggling to keep up with the demand for services prompted by the economic crisis, while Americans are lining up to serve.

Sagawa went on to highlight the ways the bipartisan bill will work to create effective, innovative, solutions to some of our nations most pressing challenges.

The Kennedy-Hatch bill being taken up today builds a critical infrastructure for a large-scale expansion of volunteering that will make service a vital strategy for solving America’s most pressing problems. It will also build on national service’s role in social innovation by creating a much-needed fund that will provide growth and seed capital for new solutions to social problems.

The Serve America Act is, as Shirley writes:

Truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix what’s wrong with America with what’s right with America—the American people’s willingness to give of themselves to make a difference for others.

We need your help to pass this important piece of legislation! Here are some ways you can get involved.

Read Shirley Sagawa’s editorial here.