We The People Gala: A Participant’s Reflection

By Siddharth Damania

William James, the celebrated American philosopher, created the conceptual foundation for organized nonmilitary national service, calling it the "moral equivalent of war." A century later, his ideals were celebrated and reinforced by international leaders, educators, and youths gathered in Philadelphia for The 17th Annual National Service-Learning Conference. At the We the People Gala — a night of exuberance, festivities, and honors — 2,800 attendees echoed James’ call and committed themselves to local, national, and international service-learning.

Former President Bill Clinton, former Sen. Harris Wofford, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend were among the dignitaries who applauded the efforts of civic servants around the nation and campaigned for every private citizen to engage in service. Clinton declared that we are in an era when Americans have more "power to do good" than ever before.

As a participant in this event, I can attest to the electricity created by the common interest of all attendees. Many called the event a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to witness and hear great Americans sponsor and promote civic service, a true hallmark of the nation. Partisanship was left aside as Clinton momentously called on Congress to repel efforts to cut funds for national service programs, such as Learn and Serve America. Wofford — who received The William James National Service Lifetime Achievement Award earlier that evening — reaffirmed that youths "have a great role to play in the life of the country, " and that role can be best achieved through active service. As a model for the nation, Townsend demonstrated the encouraging effects of service-learning as a requirement for high school graduation in her home state of Maryland.

For me, it was not the speeches that made the event memorable; it was the message Clinton, Wofford, and Townsend expressed. This message was of great relevance, and I believe rang true to most of the other attendees, especially the youths. In a world marred by the likes of war and disease, the optimism of service-learning accentuates the hope for a better world. With service-learning, civic service, and public service, we can begin to make the world a more positive place to live.

Clinton noted that nearly half a million people have served with the Peace Corps. Not only did these men and women change the lives of the millions they served, but the act of civic service changed them as well.

In closing, Clinton reassured Americans with his charismatic smile and touch-of-the-South accent, that although he worries about spending, global warming, and health care, "as long as the people of this country are willing to take responsibility for their future — when they vote, when they contribute their money … and when they are community servants — we’ll be fine. "

I agree, and I think Mr. James would, too.

Siddharth Damania is a member of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council and Board of Directors. He is pictured above with President Clinton.