The creation of an informed citizenry, able to participate in our democratic institutions, has always been a primary goal of America's schools. Given the challenges we face as a Nation, educating our young people to be knowledgeable, skillful, and engaged citizens of a free society has never been more important.

Achieving that goal requires that our schools become centers of academic excellence. It also requires that they become places where our students can acquire the habits of civic participation, responsibility, and service that are essential to American democratic life. For this to occur, students must learn about our democratic institutions. They must also learn to see themselves as participants in our democracy. They need to be able to put their knowledge and ideas into practice by helping to solve real community problems alongside other community members.

"Education should prepare children for jobs, and it also should prepare our children for life. I join you in wanting our children to not only be rich in skills, but rich in ideals. Teaching character and citizenship to our children is a high calling . . . I'm grateful for your work." President George W. Bush

Through high standards for student achievement, accountability for results, and enhanced local control, America's schools are helping our students develop essential skills and knowledge in reading, math and other academic subjects. American schools have also long encouraged students to participate in volunteer service in many forms - ranging from individual volunteer activities, to service projects organized by student groups or faculty members, to formal service projects that link to academic lessons.

In recent years, educators have become more conscious of the importance of these kinds of activities for both their students and the communities in which they live. Some school systems, in fact, have established volunteer service as a requirement for graduation. Others have tried to integrate community service more closely into their curricula, a practice known as "service-learning." Whatever the means used to foster it, service must be encouraged if we are to become the Nation of "citizens, not spectators" that President Bush has urged us to become.

Service can be undertaken by individuals or groups, in school or after school, and by younger and older students alike. This guide offers parents, teachers, and other adults who work with children resources for helping young people develop habits of service. It does not mandate or prescribe a particular curriculum or lesson plan. It is being offered as a resource that educators in particular may find helpful if they choose to make an effort in their classrooms to help their students step forward to answer President Bush's Call to Service.

You will find additional resources on the CD-ROM that is enclosed with this guide, as well as online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov. These materials can help you plan student service opportunities and engage the young people with whom you work. Our hope is that by serving something greater than themselves, young people will learn about their rich democratic traditions as Americans, help meet vital community needs, and become responsible and engaged citizens.