In modern society there seems to be a movement away from the sense of community and more toward a sense of the individual. Often we see people more concerned with what it takes to increase profit margins and less concerned about the need to support the community from which these profits are generated. However, in a world of convoluted moral guidance there is some semblance of community left. Robert Coles, in his book The Call of Service: a Witness to Idealism, discusses some of the astounding people that he has worked with over a thirty-year time span. As with many of Coles' works he begins with the story of Ruby Bridges. Set in 1961, Ruby was one of three black children to break the racial barriers in Boston and attend a previous all white school. Although she faced continual threats, Ruby attended school everyday without complaint. Intrigued by Ruby's courage, Coles searched for the motivating force that allowed her to face such adversity. He found that her bravery came from her propensity to contribute to the greater cause. Through facing the hatred of those crowds in Boston, Ruby helped to cut a path through racism for future generation and doing so created a strong sense of self worth. While many of Coles' stories are inspirational, they lack the sociological support necessary to make them anything more than inspirational. Coles seems to think volunteering for the sake of volunteering is enough. For this reason the book centers on the pride one might get from donating his or her time for the betterment of the community. Though the cause is admirable, execution is poor. Coles only discusses isolated cases that do not depict an objective point of view. For example in the case of Ruby Bridges, Coles only refers to her. However, during the 1960's many black children were subjected to similar abuse and did not fare as well. Coles does not discuss any of them. Instead he chooses to deal only with the stories that support his ideology. As today's society seems to value profit over the needs of the community, Call to Service falls short of providing solutions for diminishing community pride. These stories do not provide much more than pop psychology solutions to complex social problems.


About this book....   September 8, 1999
 1 out of 45 found this review helpful

This book was EXTREMELY boring. I only read it because it was assigned reading. It is kind of like a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" but with 3 pages of physology inbetween each story.


The most insightful and thought provoking book of its field   November 25, 1998
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

Volunteerism has been my life. I am now in charge of community volunteers and students involved in service learning. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the subject until I read this book. Many of my ideas where exploded and new, wonderful ideas and insights took their place.The book discusses problems in communicating with those we are tryig to help. It gives a wonderful discussion of the real meaning of mentoring, and who should really call themselves mentors. It is open and clear about the various reasons we all volunteer. It does not tell you how to run an agency or how to do your work. It simply open new doors that might make you a person who better serves the community. I feel everyone in the fields of volunteerism and community service should read this fabulous book.