In late 1939, the United States Bureau of the Census was gearing up for the 16th official enumeration, or count, of the nation's population. Authorities wanted to insure widespread participation. So, they made good use of some information revealed in the 1930 Census--namely that roughly 40 percent of American households had a radio set. In…

This article features two documents which can serve as a starting point for a lesson on public service while students debate the amount of pay that public servants should receive. These are: (1) the printed draft of the Constitution showing George Washington's handwritten corrections that eliminated state payments and included the phrase "to be…

Describes the retirement pursuits of the author and includes a list of ten activities well-suited for retiring social studies teachers. Among the suggestions are: becoming an educational lobbyist promoting social studies, tutoring recent immigrants for their citizenship examinations, reading for the blind, and assisting colleges and universities…

Discusses the origin, development, and role of the volunteer corps that assist the United Nations in humanitarian efforts. Describes how the concept of national volunteer service has spread from the United States to many other countries, including some former recipient nations that now have their own volunteer services. (CFR)

Presents reviews of five books dealing with the origins, development, and contemporary role of the United Nations. Categorizes the books into "general" and "academic" publications. Asserts that these books will help dispel the cynical attitudes about public service, international politics, and the United Nations itself. (CFR)

Profiles three programs that incorporate service learning into efforts to reduce violence. Extrapolates a set of criteria for developing similar programs. These include meaningful activities, skill-based instruction, recognition of student effort and clear expectations for non-violent behavior. Includes a brief list of teaching resources. (MJP)

Reports on a series of programs designed to test the hypothesis that increasing student involvement in and understanding of social institutions combined with increased cognitive and social skills can decrease youth violence. The program combines law-related, conflict resolution, and service learning components with qualitative and quantitative…

Profiles the extraordinary World War II public support efforts conducted by school children and teachers across the United States. Encouraged by the Roosevelt administration, teachers and pupils mobilized support for war bond sales and salvage collection drives. Many children raised "Victory Gardens" producing food to help the war…