"When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago [in 1993], an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision.  There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well.  But careers in public service are not always encouraged.  We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary... But, at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever."