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dancingbear77's Blog

by dancingbear77 from Suffolk

Last Post 117 days, 6 hours Ago


Some fellow classmates and myself are interested in writing a bill to submit to the General Assembly.  We are interested in hearing the opinions of others regarding this matter.

We are proposing making it mandatory for HS students and possibly 8th graders to complete hours of community service to graduate.  

We have not yet determined the number of hours but want them to be per quarter and each quarter the public service has to change so as that they are exposed to different things.

We feel that it would not only benefit the community but provide two services to the children:
1.  help keep them out of trouble and give them something to do that hopefully they would be interested in continuing to, instead of loitering at the mall or other useless activities that they participate in :o)
2.  provide them with multiple environments in the community to help them decide what they want to go to college for or give them a chance to see what is available. (you would be surprised how many college students have no idea what they want to do and waste state and federal money trying to figure it out)

Another positive for the students would be limited to those not under the poverty line.  They would have a chance to see how the other side lives and inspire them to give more to the less fortunate (and not just for a tax write off)

Please let me know your thoughts on this.  

Anyone interested in helping us with our endeavors by all means let us know.  The more people involved the better.  A petition would be great.  If I get one designed I will post its whereabouts on here.
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Member Comments Total Comments: 6
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Ineedcoffee
Mar 28, 2008 | 12:45 PM

It's a good idea. When you say "Another positive for the students would be limited to those not under the poverty line. They would have a chance to see how the other side lives and inspire them to give more to the less fortunate (and not just for a tax write off)" does that mean that lower income students would not be required to participate? I also think there too that it would bolster a sense of community and show those that feel like they can't change anything that they can all it takes is effort.

You might also want to include those that seek a GED under this as well. Maybe 20-30 hours, which in the broad spectrum of things really is not alot. It's not even a full week's worth of work.

dancingbear77 read my blog
Mar 28, 2008 | 4:01 PM

No, it means everyone would be responsible for doing it. But since getting to see how the other side lives would only apply to the upper class I was saying that that would only be a positive for them. But mentioning that less fortunate could feel empowered is great.

I like the idea with the GED, I will talk to my group about that.

Thank you for bringing something else to the table.

~S

bphil014
Mar 28, 2008 | 8:54 PM

I definitely think it is a great idea. I personally went to a private school that required the students to do 10 hours of community service each year from 8-12th grade. Therefore, every student graduated having at least 50 hours of community service. I honestly really enjoyed the community service I did as I felt like I was giving something back to the community. It also looks very good on college and job applications. Good luck on your project!

linecrosser read my blog
Mar 29, 2008 | 2:13 PM

It's a great ideal, may want to consider keeping it separated from court ordered community service. And need to think about the liabilities if manual labor is included. It's deep but a great ideal.

linecrosser read my blog
Mar 30, 2008 | 12:56 PM

I left comments in Nicole Livas and Kevin Hirten post about going to D.C. for the rally on 4-15. It would be a field trip to remember if it could be put together on such short notice. Nicole has some connections with a journalism class at Landstown HS. linecrosser2@yahoo.com

linecrosser read my blog
Apr 9, 2008 | 7:48 AM

Play this for your class, might take two class because it's almost 2hr http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-16568803038673
90173&pr=goog-sl

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dancingbear77

I am a full time student getting ready to graduate from ODU, mother of 3 beautiful and amazing children and wife to the greatest man in the world. I am a Hampton Roads native, a dedicated educator, reptile enthusiast and always ready to be involved in my community in a positive way.

Member Since: 3/27/2008