Community Service

* Re “Altruism 101” (editorial, July 31) and mandated community service for college students: A great idea in the abstract--but what about the many students who must work part-time in order to stay in school or others who have small children? A requirement for such service should be part of the high school curriculum, not for the many adults who may be back in school and juggling work or child care along with their studies.

BETTS HARLEY

Costa Mesa

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* Your editorial was excellent. One additional consideration. State leaders must not only give colleges sufficient funding to make the program work but must also figure out a way to support the agencies where the students will volunteer.

One of the major issues in volunteer management is how to train and support volunteers once they’ve been recruited. Many nonprofit organizations and community groups don’t have the infrastructure or staffing to handle more volunteers. It would be counterproductive for students to have a negative experience.

High school and college students who volunteer for the city give of themselves while learning more about city government. For many, their volunteer job has led to a new major or career goal as a public servant.

KAREN OLEON WAGENER

Exec. Dir., Volunteer Bureau

Mayor’s Office, Los Angeles