Band 9 Discussion Essay

The proposal to mandate community service for all young people has sparked debate about the balance between civic responsibility and individual freedom. While mandatory volunteering could increase participation in charitable activities, I believe it fundamentally contradicts the spirit of volunteerism and should not be compulsory.

Proponents of mandatory service argue that it instills a sense of civic duty and social responsibility in young people who might otherwise remain self-focused. They contend that requiring volunteer work ensures all youth develop empathy, understand social issues, and contribute to their communities. Furthermore, compulsory programs could address staffing shortages in essential services such as elder care, environmental conservation, and literacy programs that rely heavily on volunteer support.

However, opponents raise valid objections about the nature of compelled service. True volunteering stems from genuine altruism and personal choice—forcing young people to serve undermines the very values such programs aim to cultivate. Additionally, mandatory volunteers may lack motivation and commitment, potentially providing lower quality service than willing participants. There are also practical concerns about enforcement, monitoring, and the potential for resentment among young people who feel their autonomy is being infringed upon.

In my view, while encouraging young people to volunteer is laudable, making it compulsory transforms meaningful civic engagement into an obligation. Governments and schools should instead create attractive, well-supported volunteer opportunities that inspire genuine participation.

(Word count: 234)