Civic Work, Civic Lessons explains how and why people of all ages, and particularly young people, should engage in public service as a vocation or avocation. Its authors are 57 years apart in age, but united in their passion for public service, which they term "civic work." The book provides unique intergenerational perspectives. Thomas Ehrlich spent much of his career in the federal government. Ernestine Fu started a non-profit organization at an early age and then funded projects led by youth. Both have engaged in many other civic activities. An introductory chapter is followed by seven key lessons for success in civic work. Each lesson includes a section by each author. The sections by Ehrlich draw mainly from his experiences. Those by Fu draw on her civic work and that of many young volunteers whom the co-authors interviewed. The concluding chapter focuses on leveraging technologies for civic work. All profits received by the authors from the sale of this book will be donated to philanthropic organizations.

Thomas Ehrlich has held a number of public-service positions since the administration of President John F. Kennedy. He was the first head of the Legal Services Corporation and was the director of the agency responsible for foreign-aid policy, reporting directly to President Carter. He has also served as president of Indiana University, provost of the University of Pennsylvania, and dean of Stanford Law School. He is author, co-author, or editor of fourteen books, including Educating Citizen: Preparing America's Undergraduates for Lives of Moral and Civic Responsibility (2003), and Educating for Democracy: Preparing Undergraduates for Responsible Political Engagement (2007). He holds five honorary degrees and is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Foreword
Introduction: Co-Authors 57 Years Apart
Lesson 1: Role Models, Mentors, and Teachers Are Key in Civic Work
Lesson 2: Civic Work Should Serve the Public Interest
Lesson 3: Focus on the Big Picture in Civic Work - But Don't Forget the Details
Lesson 4: Motives to Engage in Civic Work Are Always Mixed
Lesson 5: Moral Leadership Is Essential in Civic Work
Lesson 6: Clear Goals Must Be Set in Civic Work
Lesson 7: Civic Work Should Be Its Own Reward
The Way Forward: Leveraging Technology for Civic Work
Acknowledgements
The Authors
Index