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Many Americans worry that our country is hopelessly divided — that we lack even the most basic common experiences, beliefs, or traditions, resulting in a society devoid of empathy and factions unable to work together in our republic. One idea to address this critical challenge is gaining momentum, including increasingly getting mentioned on the 2020 campaign trail: making a national service — a year or more of paid civilian, military, or public service — a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans. Learn how this idea, which was incubated at the Aspen Institute, could be the potent cohesive force our democracy so badly needs.
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