Resolution Number MAN06.13

WHEREAS:  The World Service Corps (WSC) cost-effectively involves more than a million skilled, can-do Americans aged 18-60+ in working on world and domestic problems, and thereby gives them a deeper understanding, concern for and ability to practically address domestic and international policy needs, while raising America's political IQ; and

WHEREAS:  The WSC invests in America's education, health and economy through tuition, medical savings or IRA account investments, (which at $15,000 is one-sixth of the recruitment bonus presently offered to military recruits) to those who complete WSC service and thereby helps strengthen our knowledge of world and domestic needs, educational and economic competitiveness and our citizenry's understanding of and voting on public policy needs at home and in the world; and

WHEREAS:  A one-million strong WSC offers a cost-effective, robust, peaceful army to augment our courageous 1.4 million military personnel; and thereby productively answers the increasingly alarming and costly spread of the critically dangerous "Ugly American" image, terrorist recruitment, poverty, environmental degradation and misunderstandings that inspire hatred, by involving many more of America's best assets, its concerned, patriotic citizens, in addressing worldwide needs
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:  That the California Democratic Party proclaims our support for the introduction and passage into legislation, which encompasses the goal espoused by President Kennedy's words:  "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.  My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."   The California Democratic Party supports the citizen-initiated World Service Corps proposals which by the seventh year after its enactment will add one million additional American volunteers into serving the country and world through such organizations as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, Head Start, Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, OxFam, Mercy Corps, and State Conservation Corps
 
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  That a copy of this Resolution be provided to: members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation; the Democratic Caucus of the California Legislature; all members of the California Democratic Party Central Committee; leaders of member organizations in the California Democratic Council; Chairs of the Assembly District committees; local elected Democratic officials and County Registrars to be introduced and approved at the California Democratic Party Executive Board and the 2006 California Democratic Party Convention.

Submitted by 6th Assembly District Committee
Author: Dwayne Hunn, Executive Director, People's Lobby, 415-383-7880

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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel
January 28, 2006