This book is a compilation of information about youth service in the State of Washington, a summary of the benefits and challenges to increasing youth service, and a summary of strategic options for supporting and enhancing youth service statewide. The report is divided into five sections. The first part describes many examples of youth involvement, from the traditional organizations (such as scouts and religious groups) to new service opportunities (such as state-financed projects). Part II summarizes the benefits of youth service to youth, including increased self-esteem, career preparation, and improved community opinion of young people, as well as to recipients of the service. The third part describes how careful coordination and planning between schools, nonprofit agencies, businesses, and labor groups results in high quality youth service programs. In Part IV, barriers to expanding community service opportunities for youth are outlined, and suggestions for overcoming these barriers are provided. The final section offers strategic planning suggestions for setting up and conducting youth service programs, and concluding comments challenge the reader to dream about a future society improved by the helpful role of youth. The report includes a list of 41 references and 6 appendixes: a list of national and state legislative initiatives for youth community service; samples from various states of strategic plan proposals; a youth and community service bibliography that lists 14 national volunteer service organizations; 3 research reports, 10 general guides, 17 teaching and curriculum guides, 7 student workbooks and instructional materials, and 2 films; notes about court-ordered community service; a proposal for a "college of the corps"--a service and employment corps serving out-of-school youth; and a directory of state contacts throughout the nation and especially in Washington. (KC)