few of our people need the help this program could offer. Still others, while admitting that relatively large numbers among us are denied the basic essentials of a decent life, suggest that the States and existing Federal agencies can meet these needs.

The fact is that a shocking number of Americans are living in conditions which should shame us all. Despite the efforts of public and private agencies, local, State, and National, too many Americans are relegated to lives of misery and despair and do not participate in the great American experiment of freedom, equality, and opportunity.

In this land of abundance, 1 out of 6 of our citizens lives on a submarginal income. Inadequate education, poor health, and abandoned aspirations are the lot of these forgotten Americans. How can we forget them? Our lives are complex. We plan for tomorrow. We lose sight of those who are not moring with us. And the unfortunate among us-the poor-are becoming invisible. But one has only to look into our institutions for the mentally ill and mentally retarded, our reformatories and training schools, our institutions for the aged, at migratory labor camps and city slums, at our depressed rural areas and Indian reservations. The conditions are shocking.

By their very dimensions these are not just local or State problems. They are national problems. No single agency or group, no single level of government can alone alleviate or correct these conditions. No group of technicians and no amount of money will find the magic formula to make the American dream a reality for the deprived. In this battle many resources are needed, and they must come from untapped segments of the American community.

Repeatedly, we have demonstrated our Nation's ability to uphold its heritage in time of war. And we are right now engaged in a great national effort to achieve peace throughout the world. Certainly, we should not fear an exemplary national effort addressed to helping our own-to help those among us in greatest need to help themselves. To develop a great new movement on behalf of those who, through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves.

I believe that the National Service Corps would be such an exemplary undertaking, and could provide a new, vitally needed service. It could become the link between people in need and resources which are not now reaching them. Too many people who could benefit from help, who could become self-sustaining. do not know what services are available. Many more, because of certain handicaps, cannot take adavntage of available services. For instance, we cannot give job retraining to people who cannot read and write. But a National Service Corps could help teach basic literacy skills so that more people could take advantage of the Manpower Retraining Act.

Corps men, living and working with the people in need, could help them better use the resources of all levels of government, thus increasing the effectiveness of existing programs.

This important service is one reason the National Conference of Governors is interested in this program. In January, the executive committee of the conference met with the Attorney General. Our committee on public health and welfare has proposed to the conference a resolution endorsing a National Service Corps, and in July, the resolution will be considered by the conference.

As a Governor and as chairman of the conference of Governors, I call for a new cooperative effort. By working together, we can extend the impact of all our work. No matter how capable and well-intentioned the men and women in the National Service Corps are, they will not perform miracles. Their work must be supported by the efforts of others. Corpsmen efforts should be reinforced by human and material resources of public and private agencies and groups throughout the United States. In turn, the National Service Corps should participate in projects reinforcing and extending the best policies and practices of local and State programs.

I think it highly desirable that interested State agencies consult with the National Service Corps in the consideration of project proposals which affect their work. I endorse the provisions of section 2 which provide for such cooperation and consultation. The National Service Corps will want the assistance of State agencies if it to assess accurately potentials for service and if it is to avoid pitfalls. State agencies could help to evaluate projects and their relationship to existing or projected programs. And, of fundamental importance, the concerned State agencies could examine their own ability to support proposed projects. Since eventually, corps men will be phased out, the assistance and support of State agencies will be a valuable ingredient in building up resources to assist their withdrawal.

There is still another reason for the National Service Corps to consult appropriate State agencies. With a limited number of corpsmen and projects, the National Service Corps must select projects which will be demonstrations, stimulating many other efforts beyond those in which it can participate directly. Its work must be an example and a challenge. States have a basic interest in, and commitment to the extension of such efforts. The National Service Corps will find State agencies valuable friends who will help to extend the work of corps men far beyond projects in which they are directly involved.

The State of Washington participated in the initial work of the study group by submitting a project model, covering a number of State services, one of which was mental health.

Experience in operating 10-week study programs for undergraduate students has convinced our State division of mental health that "volunteer work units are valuable to both the patients and the institution, as well as the individuals involved."

We have requested corpsmen for two types of projects in mental institutions— those to supplement and expand existing services, and those to demonstrate new services.

To supplement and expand existing services, corpsmen would be assigned to several clinical departments such as nursing, social service, psychology, occupational, recreational, and industrial therapy.

To demonstrate new services, corpsmen could help develop halfway houses, employment and recreation outlets, and adult education programs.

What makes the National Service Corps so significant is its person-to-person quality. As such, it will not be a consultant program nor a technical assistance program. In the model developed by the State of Washington, men and women of the Corps would live in the same communities as the persons with whom they would work. And they would not be giving service to these people; they would be working with them on a day-to-day basis.

This is the vital link which can be provided by a National Service Corps. Only by a program such as this one can our most destitute and demoralized people be afforded the kind of assistance and example which will enable and motivate them to help themselves. And by so doing the men and women in the Corps can succeed in challenging others to give of themselves in such work.

The illiterate does not know how to learn. Someone whom he trusts must show him. In this country, we still have over 8 million functional illiterates. Many of our Indians live in shacks, shanties, or tents-entire families in one room. Someone whom the Indian trusts and respects must help and teach them how to build a house.

The mentally retarded child and the mentally ill need to know that someone cares. Individuals working with them, gaining their trust and friendship, can help to bring them out of their isolation.

Certainly, the opportunities for the National Service Corps are great. And the human ingredient to be offered by the men and women of the Corps is currently in great shortage.

As proposed, the Corps would be limited to 5,000 men and women. Of course, these great problems will not all be solved by this handful of people. Many more men and women and material resources are needed. But even 50,000 corpsmen would not solve our problems. The basic promise of the Corps is, by doing its job, to stimulate and challenge others to commit themselves to expand the attack on these problems. Consequently, what really matters is the quality of the Corps-its vision and its ability to participate and enhance other programs addressing these pressing domestic problems.

In seeking the cooperation and counsel of the States, the Corps will enrich our efforts by pointing the way. It will provide a vehicle for our citizens to participate in State and local programs.

There is no danger of competition. The need is too great.

I urge your support of this most important and inspiring measure.

THE DIRECTOR OF SELECTIVE SERVICE,

Washington, D.C., June 24, 1963.

Hon. HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, Jr.,

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Service Corps,

U.S. Senate.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The objectives of the National Service Corps qualify its members as performing work in the national interest.

Registrants engaged in activities that are in the national health, safety, and interest are eligible for consideration for deferment in the Selective Service System.

Should the National Service Corps be authorized, as projected, the Selective Service System would administer registrants who participate in it similar to the procedures used for the past 22 years in dealing with registrants who participated in the Peace Corps.

Specifically, this means that participants in the National Service Corps would be eligible for deferment but would not be eligible for exemption. Sincerely,

LEWIS B. HERSHEY, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army.

ALABAMA LEAGUE OF AGING CITIZENS, INC.,
Montgomery, Ala., June 22, 1963.

Senator HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, Jr.,

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Service Corps,
Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR WILLIAMS: My organization is the Alabama League of Aging Citizens, Inc., cosponsor of the joint legislative committee for 10 pension and senior citizens organizations in our State. These aged citizens reside in all 67 counties of Alabama. Some live on farms, or in small towns, others live in large cities such as Birmingham, Mobile, or Montgomery.

About 2 percent of the aged citizens of Alabama are reasonably well to do. However, 98 percent are quite poor. Poverty, disease, and low morale exists among the great majority of these old people. It would be impossible, in a few words, to describe their suffering, misery, and helplessness.

The greatest problem that confronts us in seeking an answer to the problems of the aged is that their needs are not always the same. For example, some of our fine old folks need employment to make an extra dollar to supplement their meager income and something to do to occupy their minds and souls. Some may need only understanding which may be provided by some type of guidance counseling service. Others need only a friend.

By establishing the National Service Corps, the Federal Government can pry open the door to a more useful life for millions of men and women who are now doomed to idle loneliness and utter dependence on charity. What is done or is not done in the next few years will have far-reaching effects on every one of us, regardless of age. Wise action now can help make the later years of all Americans meaningful and truly the harvest years of their lives.

We spend millions of our tax dollars each year to help foreign countries, so why not help our own taxpayers with their problems. The role of the Federal Government is not adequate and there is a great need to make it possible for older people, who are able to work to continue their productive lives. This can be accomplished through the National Service Corps. There is a great need to remove the fear of destruction in the later years of our aged citizens and to stimulate the construction of better opportunities in life for them.

It has been the position of the Alabama League of Aging Citizens that all people over the age 55 should as a matter of right receive equal consideration and opportunity for employment. It is an obligation of a democratic government to make certain that the spector of fear which hovers over the housetops of our Nation's aged citizens be removed.

Thousands on relief rolls could be self-supporting and it will take a practical ingenuity on the part of the Federal and State governments to stop some of the handouts and start rooting out some of the real freeloaders. We believe in the concept that adequate public assistance should be available to all who have a genuine need for it. We believe emphasis should be put on rehabilitation so that our more unfortunate citizens may become self-supporting.

Approximately 106,000 old people in Alabama are depending entirely on welfare checks every month through no fault of their own. There are some on relief who could be self-supporting if they got the opportunity and the right kind of help and stimulation from Federal and State agencies. However, these cases must be handled individually with patience and ingenuity. The Federal Government cannot deal with these problems by simply adopting a harsh and inflexible set of rules. That kind of shotgun approach will hurt innocent people and may miss the real freeloaders altogether. The 1961 White House Conference

on Aging gave major attention to the need for adequate opportunities as well as services for the aged.

The officers and members of the league and joint legislative committee most seriously urge the passage of Senate bill 1321. Its passage would be the humanitarian thing to do, and it will go a long way in protecting our most precious resource. The enactment of that measure would not only go a long way in helping to preserve our society, but it would mean that freedom and a better life might flourish for all in our society. If we reject this bill, we reject the aged citizens of America and we allow precious human lives to be tragically and needlessly wasted. This bill, regardless of expenditure, will not be a liability to our society, it will be an investment for the best interest of our old people and the Nation.

Very truly yours,

RUBIN M. HANAN,
President.

J. W. HEUSTESS,
General Secretary.

STATEMENT OF HON. IVAN ALLEN, MAYOR OF ATLANTA, GA.

Although most of the needs to which National Service Corps men might address themselves in the Atlanta area are the responsibility of the Fulton County administration, I have been greatly impressed by the philosophy underlying this proposed program and its great potential. I can think of no more effective and challenging way to call the attention of this Nation to some of our most pressing pieces of unfinished business. That many Americans are willing to give a full year of their lives to unremunerated service to their less fortunate countrymen will not only dramatize our remaining pockets of human need but will demonstrate that we as a people have the determination and the ability to eliminate those needs. I am particularly interested in the challenge and opportunity which such a program would provide for our retired citizens whose skills and vitality must not go unused. I strongly urge prompt enactment into law of S. 1321 which would authorize a National Service Corps.

STATEMENT OF DR. ETHEL PERCY ANDRUS, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AND AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS

It is my privilege as president of the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired Persons to submit to your committee, for inclusion in the printed hearings, the position of our two organizations in behalf of S. 1321, the National Service Corps Act. The National Retired Teachers Association consists entirely of persons who have retired from teaching. Total membership for the present year numbers approximately 250,000. Membership in the American Association of Retired Persons is open to any retired person, age 55 or over, and total membership numbers approximately 450,000. National, State, and local or chapter officers of the two organizations number between 500 and 600 persons.

In December 1962, in cooperation with a number of other membership organizations, we made a limited but representative survey of our member interest in the Service Corps concept under development at that time.

The character and significance of the responses to our questionnaire may be best understood if we report here that a substantial proportion of our members are retired from many years of service in one profession or occupation. Many are retired teachers, principals, and school superintendents. Many are retired from a lifetime of service in municipal, county, State, or Federal employment. Others have devoted their employed years to professional practice in the fields of police work, social service, law, medicine, the Red Cross, safety or fire protection. Persons who have chosen and followed one of the above-named occupations tend, we suspect, to be endowed with a rather sensitive social conscience. If such is the case the results of our survey may not be representative of the total population of older persons. Furthermore, before I report the findings of the survey, I must point out that our questionnaire was submitted to our local, chapter, State, and national officers chosen or elected by their fellow members. The results therefore show the interests and preferences of group leaders and not necessarily the concerns of the total aged population.

After this explanation I will restate the findings which we communicated to the President's Study Group on February 4 of this year.

We received approximately 800 replies. Seventy-nine percent of our responses endorsed the Service Corps concept. Forty-eight percent indicated an interest in participating in a voluntary Service Corps. Women outnumbered men 2 to 1 in both the total number who indicated a belief in the Service Corps concept and in the percentage who indicated a willingness to serve.

The interest of our organizations, the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired Persons, is not limited to the current proposal. In recent years we have been approached on more than one occasion by penal and other institutions seeking lists or sources of persons who might be available for voluntary community assistance.

During the months intervening between our 1961 and 1962 national conventions the philosophy in support of some voluntary service program was gradually taking practical form. On June 21, 1962, the NRTA-AARP Annual Convention assembled in Denver adopted the following resolution:

"We shall initiate and develop the idea of a senior Service Corps for volunteer services through our associations and by our members. Volunteer service is the gift we can bring to veterans hospitals, local hospitals and nursing home programs, Red Cross activities, church activities, and community activities." We believe that clear-cut congressional policy should be written into the Service Corps Act to describe and delimit its scope. Such a statement should specifically declare that it is the intent of Congress to preserve and respect the independence and autonomy of existing voluntary religious, charitable, and similar organizations. It should also expressly state that the proposed Service Corps administration shall be conducted along lines of service to the communities which shall not be in conflict with, or in competition with, existing voluntary agencies and organizations.

The Service Corps Act should include a clear and specific statement of intent that the period of service available to a community shall be of a temporary and not permanent duration. In further conformity with the concept of a shortterm service the stated purpose should include a requirement of training local talent to assume and carry on the needed community services after a limited number of years or months.

With the foregoing suggestions, we assure you, Mr. Chairman, of our wholehearted approval of the concept of voluntary service organized and made available as proposed in your bill. We assure you our full support and cooperation. We shall exert every reasonable effort toward assisting in the enactment of the National Service Corps Act of 1963. Furthermore we shall be prepared to cooperate in implementing the legislation if and when it is passed by the Congress.

Re National Service Corps bill (S. 1321).

Hon. HARRISON WILLIAMS,

Chairman, Subcommittee on the National Service Corps,

JUNE 27, 1963.

Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR WILLIAMS: In the course of the hearings on the National Service Corps bill, a number of questions have been raised concerning the personnel and administration of the National Service Corps. Senator Javits has emphasized that, in his judgment, this must be an elite corps of top personnel (transcript of hearings, May 29, 1963, pp. 87, 94).

As part of its review of the feasibility and desirability of a national service program the Study Group has given major attention to these questions. Our conclusion, as I stated in testimony before the subcommittee, is that the National Service Corps, if it is to achieve its objective, must enlist the service of highly competent, mature, and dedicated personnel. There must also be provision for the same level of top-caliber personnel to administer the Corps.

The "Information" booklet prepared for the Congress by the Study Group presents in chapter X a more detailed statement of our findings with respect to