Book excerpt: Community service is increasingly recognized as an important vehicle for promoting positive development among adolescents. This book provides teenagers, parents, teachers, professionals, and concerned adults with current and useful information. Included are resources for middle school, high school, and college students. Those organizing and running programs will find a wealth of material for development and improvement, including: • An examination of the characteristics of effective programs, the young people who engage in service, and those who benefit • Practical strategies for those looking to start programs • A look at current controversies, such as mandatory service A chronology provides the historical context for understanding the current status of community service, completing this practical and accessible guide to understanding and implementing good community service programs.