Doing what's right "for the good of the order"

The global situation right now shows more than ever how important it is that our citizens understand their responsibilities in a democracy. As we begin a new school year it is appropriate to ask where people learn their civic duties. Families are the first and best source for that information, but they are not always equipped to supply it.

Traditionally, public schools in America have served a civic mission to instill and nurture the values of democracy. In fact, a primary purpose of our public education system, as created by our nation’s founding fathers, was to teach our youth the values, skills, and knowledge they need to participate in a democratic society. This is the essence of “civic literacy.” Schools fulfill this mission by teaching history, social studies, government, and rights and responsibilities.

As daily life becomes more complex, and distractions from media and entertainment grow exponentially, the challenge of getting young people to care about their country and their communities becomes more daunting; but there are still several tools in the arsenal available to public schools. One such tool, used in schools throughout Santa Barbara County, involves providing opportunities for community service and meshing that with academic learning in a blend called service learning.

Studies show that students involved in service learning tend to be more involved and better citizens. Equally important, they also improve their academic knowledge and skills. Other studies have shown that schools using service learning programs have lower dropout rates, most likely because the curriculum comes alive with meaning for students who are engaged in their community. The students are working on real problems while using academic skills they have learned in the classroom, seeing immediately the applications and importance of what they are learning.

Nationwide, our neighborhoods are filled with individuals who work for community betterment, in large and small ways — as volunteers or professionals, or even just here or there as a worthy issue arises. Putting aside our differences and working together for the common good has always been a defining characteristic of our American way of life. To maintain those worthy activities, we all need to give young people a chance to feel the satisfaction and joy that spring from doing things for the good of others and for the greater community. In our schools we need to accomplish this goal in a way that links the teaching of those values directly to the academic skills needed to apply them.

One such example, the “Care and Share” program made possible by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is designed to cultivate the ethic of service and philanthropy in our youth, passing along this rich tradition from one generation to the next.

Through this program, teachers countywide in grades K-8 apply for grants that can be used toward classroom projects that support and encourage service to the community. The idea is to develop an appreciation of philanthropy and community service by focusing on young students at an early age while enhancing the academic curriculum

The important point to stress is the reinforcement of the core value of caring for others, which is so much a part of the rich tradition in our county, and so critical for sustaining a democracy.

Educational leaders must continue to support and encourage programs that provide students with the chance to feel the spark that comes from serving, and we must use that enthusiasm and experience to supplement academic knowledge, drawing both together for a product that is greater than the sum of its parts. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

At its heart, that’s what democracy needs in order to thrive — doing what’s best “for the good of the order.” Charles Stewart Mott wrote, “Let us be known by our deeds, and not by our money.” It is hoped that scores of students will know exactly what he meant, and will get hooked on the feeling. Then we can help channel that spirit of caring into the broader responsibilities of citizens to care about their country and act responsibly by casting informed votes to help maintain the system we all cherish. As always, public schools will play a key role in this important effort.