The National Community Service was established in 2001 and since 2005 it operates only on a voluntary basis. It is a way of defending one’s country, a duty that is enshrined in Article 52 of the Italian Constitution. This defence does not refer only to the protection of the State, but also to the realization of the constitutional principles of social solidarity, of national and international cooperation, and preservation of the environmental, historical, artistic and cultural heritage. One of the purposes of National Community Service is to contribute to the civic, social and cultural education, and professional integration of young people.
SCS / CNOS is a non-profit organization led by the Salesians of Italy. In addition to continuing the work of Don Bosco for young people who are marginalized or at risk it is also involved in coordinating the National Community Service in Italy and abroad. It runs projects that cover all the areas of intervention of the organization: social and educational services for minors and young people in oratories, youth centres, group homes and schools.
Fr Giovanni D’Andrea, SDB, President of SCS/CNOS, has written on the official website: "Through the National Community Service and with the style of Don Bosco, we want to contribute to building this world, to leave a mark as Pope Francis says, an imprint starting with the growth of each young volunteer. Our first end is the young person’s own human growth, his or her sense of being an active citizen who contributes with his or her commitment to the growth of the common good and in this way serves the country."
He also says: "My wish for these young people is that they become adult men and women who know how to take care of the people they meet in their service. In this way we contribute to making real the dream of Don Bosco to form 'upright citizens and good Christians ... future inhabitants of heaven'."
