Four-star Ret. General Stanley McChrystal explains why universal national service would not only enhance the lives of those serving, but would also bolster political and defense systems in the United States.

Whether it is military service, national service, or simply helping a neighbor in need, if one has the capacity to serve their community, it should be considered a mandate to do so.

National service and employment leaders discuss how hiring decisions are made, what skills national service alumni bring to employers, and the future of the Employers of National Service initiative.

Carrie Hessler-Radelet is director of the Peace Corps. Wendy Spencer is CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. On the one-year anniversary of the Employers of National Service initiative, Hessler-Radelet and Spencer explain why businesses should make an effort to hire individuals who have served in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.

In the years following 9/11, national volunteer rates rose tremendously. More recently, however, civilian service has decreased — in conjunction with spikes in violence, distrust of authority, and the lowest levels of social and institutional trust in a generation. John Bridgeland, former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council on 9/11 and co-chair of the Franklin Project at the Aspen Institute, maintains that in order to stand as one, strong nation, we must recommit to serving one another.

Katrina’s devastation was, in some measure, due to the mistakes of people. And the recovery is, by every measure, due to the hard work of people.

New Orleans' recovery showed the world that service thrives in the space between those giant problems we cannot easily solve nor conscionably ignore.

Forty-five Ambassadors were selected to join the program in its inaugural year based on their community leadership, innovative service ideas, and demonstrated commitment to the Franklin Project’s “big idea” that service year opportunities should be expected and universal.

All post-secondary education institutions are encouraged to participate in the contest, which runs from January 15 to April 15, 2015.