Global Service InstituteCenter for Social Development

Washington University in St. Louis

Toward a Global Research Agenda on Civic Service:

An International Conference

Buenos Aires, Argentina

September 3, 2002

Context for the Conference

• Civic service exists around the world. It takes different forms. Certain forms have recently emerged or become more prevalent.

• As a field of study, service lacks conceptualization and rigorous scholarship. Most studies are descriptive. No worldwide agenda exists for the study of civic service.

• Given the global emergence and prevalence of service worldwide, a comparative framework can better inform the development, implementation, and study of service.

Conference Purpose

To document, by each major region of the world, the cultural, social, political, and economic issues that affect the development, implementation, and assessment of service.

Conference Objectives

• To consider a conceptualization of service, which

can be generalized across contexts and service forms.

• To identify programmatic themes, similarities, and

differences across regions.

• To identify areas for future research, which will

build the service knowledge-base worldwide.

When we say civic service. . .

• We consider it to be a general construct.

• It can take different forms, but each form shares certain aspects: defined role, duration, and intensity.

• Civic connotes public action and public benefit. Strangers near and far may benefit from the actions of the server.

• Service may be institutionalized, such that there is formal recognition and benefits.

• It may be mandatory, and it may be stipended.

And when you say civic service. . .

• Is there a general, yet distinct, reality or construct that can be referred to as civic service?

• What is and is not service?

• Is an action considered service in some contexts but not others?

• From a social science perspective, how can we dialog about this similar phenomenon across nations and cultures?

Contextual Information and Status of Service by Region of the World

• What is the history and development of service in the region?

• What is the current status of service policy and programs?

• What are the predominant forms and types of service?

• What are the programs’ goals and activities?

Service Structures and Institution Building

• What influence do cultural, social, political, and economic circumstances have upon service programs?

• What is the role of the state, both positive and negative, in service policy and programs?

• What is the role of the voluntary sector or civil society in the development and implementation of service programs?

• What issues are encountered with development and implementation?

• Is civic service related to other societal institutions, especially higher education, the military, and the labor market?

Status of Research and Recommendations

• What is known about the effects of service?

• What is the public’s view of existing programs?

• What are major barriers and supports to service research?

• What knowledge is most needed to inform and facilitate service development in the region?

• What research projects should be the highest priority in the short term (next two years)? And in the long term (five to 10 years)?

• Given all these conditions and trends, what is the likely future of service in the region?

Conference Agenda: Regional Presentations and Discussion

• Each region will be discussed for approximately 45 minutes.

– 15 to 20 minutes for the author

– 15 to 20 minutes for discussion

• Authors will query and respond to one another first, then the audience may ask questions of the presenting author.

• The rapporteur will provide summary comments and facilitate final discussion for approximately 45 minutes.

• Immediately following the conference, we will discuss the special journal issue and any outstanding questions or issues for approximately 15 minutes.