Asian Human Services AmeriCorps volunteers will discuss 'The Lesson' by Toni Cade Bambara

The Meaning of Service (MoS) is a reading and discussion program for Americorps volunteers featuring discussions that use short philosophical and literary texts on the nature of justice, service, and related themes. Meaning of Service presents participants with the opportunity to examine, refine, and regenerate the beliefs underlying their work.

Like many other states, Illinois is facing a budget crisis. Governor Pat Quinn and the state legislature are dealing with a $7 to $9.2 billion deficit if no new revenues are forthcoming.  Historically, there has always been a certain amount of wrangling over the state budget, but this time many are worried, about it happening in the very different context of a serious recession and economic downturn.

Since Illinois failed to pass a state budget before the new fiscal year began on July 1, 2009, many social services organizations that provide health care, domestic violence shelter, youth services, and other kinds of essential care were forced to close their doors.  Alex Parker of the Chi-Town Daily News writes, "If state legislators and Gov. Pat Quinn are unable to resolve the budget impasse, the city would have to reduce the number of food inspections, offer fewer vaccinations for diseases like polio and measles, see fewer mental health patients, offer fewer mammograms, and reduce lead inspections and screenings."