Franklin Project

Franklin Project. The Franklin Project is a non-partisan initiative that aims to make national service a cultural expectation for American citizens, similar to Israel's national service programs. It was founded by John Bridgeland and Alan Khazei in 2013, with the goal of promoting civic engagement and community development through volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, and Sierra Club. The project has gained support from various U.S. Senators, including John McCain, Barack Obama, and Orrin Hatch, as well as U.S. Representatives like John Lewis and Nancy Pelosi.

Introduction

The Franklin Project is named after Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States who was known for his commitment to public service and community development. The project's mission is to create a culture of service in America, where citizens are encouraged to participate in national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Teach For America. This initiative has been endorsed by prominent figures like Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter, as well as organizations like the National Park Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and United Way. The project's goals are aligned with those of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees programs like Senior Corps and Volunteers for Prosperity.

History

The Franklin Project was launched in 2013 by John Bridgeland and Alan Khazei, who were inspired by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. The project has its roots in the National Service Act of 1990, which was signed into law by George H.W. Bush and established the Commission on National and Community Service. The Franklin Project has also been influenced by the work of Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach For America, and General Stanley McChrystal, a former U.S. Army commander who has written about the importance of national service in America. The project has partnered with organizations like the Aspen Institute, Brookings Institution, and Center for American Progress to promote its mission.

Objectives

The Franklin Project has several objectives, including increasing the number of American citizens participating in national service programs, improving civic engagement and community development in United States cities, and promoting a culture of service among American youth. The project aims to achieve these objectives by working with organizations like the National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and National Association of Counties. The project has also been endorsed by U.S. Senators like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Elizabeth Warren, as well as U.S. Representatives like Paul Ryan and Steny Hoyer. The Franklin Project's objectives are aligned with those of the Points of Light Foundation, which was founded by George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.

Structure

The Franklin Project is a non-partisan initiative that is governed by a board of directors composed of prominent American leaders, including John Bridgeland, Alan Khazei, and General Stanley McChrystal. The project has partnered with organizations like the National Park Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, and Library of Congress to promote its mission. The Franklin Project has also established a network of service programs that provide opportunities for American citizens to participate in national service initiatives, such as disaster relief efforts with FEMA and American Red Cross. The project's structure is similar to that of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees a network of national service programs.

Impact

The Franklin Project has had a significant impact on promoting national service and civic engagement in America. The project has been endorsed by prominent figures like Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and Jeb Bush, as well as organizations like the United Service Organizations (USO), Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Girl Scouts of the USA. The project's initiatives have been recognized by awards like the Jefferson Award, which is presented by the American Institute for Public Service. The Franklin Project's impact has also been felt in United States cities, where it has partnered with organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to promote community development and civic engagement. The project's mission is aligned with that of the National Medal of Service, which is awarded by the White House to recognize outstanding contributions to national service. Category:National service programs in the United States