Talking Point #5: "In the Service of what? The Politics of Service Learning" by: Joseph Kahne & Joel Westheimer

1. "As is commonly the case with new policy initiatives, however,more attention has been focused on moving forward than on asking where we are headed."

• I agree completely with this quote, because I do believe that now in days people are only thinking of going forward without knowing where they are heading. For example, the government has said that social security benefits might get cut.  With this being said, the government really doesn't know what that is going to do.     

     2  ."Bush was advancing voluntary community service as an alternative to government programs. He made no mention of changes that address the structural injustices that leave so many in need."

• In regard to this quote, I do feel that volunteer work has been more important than ever before.  However, I do disagree with the author in not giving the president any credits for advancing volunteer work.  I understand that the authors feel that transformational changes should be done, but not many people have the time to do that.  I just feel that they are putting volunteer work down, when in fact it is very important. 

     3.  ". . .When asked what they gained from the experience, many students said simply that it thought them "that people can be different" from what you expect."

• I could agree with this quote, because with the VIPs program, I have learned the same concept. I realize, that one should not stereotype.  I also realize that giving part of your time to someone could really make a big difference in their lives.