Watch and share as Gen. (Ret.) Stan McChrystal make the case for expanding, not eliminating, national service.  

In the first episode of NationSwell’s 8-part mini documentary series on service years, the Chair of our Board, Gen. (Ret.) Stan McChrystal, shares his personal experience with service — both in and out of uniform.

Over 60 service year alums and champions gathered at Recessions Bar and Grill in downtown Washington, D.C. for a Service Year Story Slam, organized by Service Year Alliance’s D.C. chapter. Storytellers included military veterans and AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alums and highlighted the impact service years have on individuals, communities and the country.

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“Doing a service year with Teach for America changed my trajectory and got me involved in education, which I will be involved in for the rest of my life.”

“I was involved in an altercation that led me to be put in juvenile hall. When I got out, I told myself I needed to make a change...My service year with Youth Conservation Corps became the vehicle to transform my life."

“For someone who is considering a service year, go into it with a completely open mind. It's a whirlwind...you learn new skills, you learn new things that you never thought you would be able to do."

“What I learned in that [service year]...is that you are an incredible ripple in this big pool that is the world around you. And all you have to do is show up.”

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Summer is coming to an end and it’s almost time to head back to school! This means shopping for school supplies, choosing out an outfit for the first day of school and getting organized before heading back to class — not exactly what we had in mind for our last week of summer vacation!