Our nation is being tested today like never before:
- Loss of Values
- Veterans are Struggling
- Infrastructure and Labor Challenges
- Young People Seeking ‘More’
Our society is polarized and losing sight of
values critical to a healthy Democracy
Civil discourse — the ability to share, listen, and compromise in a respectful manner — is being replaced by ideological tribalism, contempt, and a me-first mindset.
Today, it is far too easy to slip into the comfort of our own opinions, regardless of facts, perpetuated by inadvertently created “silos” of information and networks consisting of like-minded peers. This has led us to become polarized, in every sense – political, social and demographic.
“At times, it can seem that the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together.
Argument turns too easily into animosity. Disagreement escalates into dehumanization.
Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our
best intentions…To renew our country, we only need to remember our values”
– G.W. Bush. October 19, 2017 *
We believe the very essence of American values may be hanging in the balance.
This is a critical issue for the next generation as many, regardless of income, education, race, class, or background, do not have adequate opportunities to learn and internalize the values that are vital for a civil society — values that are the foundation of a thriving democracy; values that should guide our political leaders; values that provide the essential building blocks of dynamic and healthy communities: service to their community, valuing education, pride in their work, conservation, self-reliance, and personal responsibility.
After all, it is individuals who create successful communities, and together, a successful nation.
⇓
Veterans are struggling to reintegrate into civilian life
We are inadequately serving those who have served for us. Across the nation, Veterans are facing tremendous hurdles in an effort to reintegrate back into society post-service.
While there are numerous Veterans programs, most civilian work available today does not mirror the professional desires of Veterans, nor are work opportunities taking full advantage of the tremendous skills and purpose centered dedication that Veterans offer. Studies show Veterans overwhelmingly want to continue to give back to their country, they want to work with other Vets in team-based environments, and many want to work with young people.
⇓
Overwhelming need for public and natural infrastructure improvements against a national trade labor shortage
Our country’s infrastructure has grown older and more fragile. The Department of Interior alone has documented more than 18 billion dollars of projects currently in deferment.
Our current administration has indicated a desire for trillion-dollar infrastructure improvements, and at the same time has been proposing significant reductions in federal agency management and advocating for private-sector job creation.
Meanwhile, we are facing a national shortage of trained labor, which delays our ability to execute infrastructure improvements or recover from increasingly common natural disasters.
“Right now, the largest construction companies in America are turning away hundreds of millions
of dollars in work every quarter because they don’t have enough bodies on their crews. TheNat’l
Assoc. of Homebuilders reports that 77 percent of U.S. builders can’t find enough people for
their framing teams. This country doesn’t have enough people to manufacture and build things.
Corporate America, meanwhile, is sitting on $2.3 trillion in cash — more than ever.”
– Todd Hitt, Chief Executive, Kiddar Capital **
Young people seek to have a real impact on their
nation’s future but are struggling to find opportunities
Two-thirds of young people say they want to have an impact on the world, but more than half don’t envision a brighter future ahead. Many young adults struggle to find gainful employment as older generations need to work longer. Furthermore, young generations have a preference for a line of work that can fulfill both their financial goals and their social goals, without having to compromise.
Most significantly, the trends and spread of polarization in our country as illuminated above will impact our youngest generations immeasurably. They are the most at risk to fall into the comfort of polarized “silos” and will suffer the greatest consequences of such sharp contrasts.
We believe Corps are the answer to these challenges and we have a plan of action.
*Alana Abramson, “Bigotry Seems Emboldened Speech,” Time
http://time.com/4989764/george-w-bush-bigotry-seems-emboldened-speech-transcript/
** Todd Hitt, “We Won’t Be Rebuilding Houston Anytime Soon,” The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/we-wont-be-rebuilding-houston-any-time-soon/2017/10/09/6a225260-ad25-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html