CMV: If you need help from a social safety net program, and you are able to work, you should be required to work in exchange for the help

I've been out of work for a few months and had to rely on a few social programs to keep me afloat. I am a software developer, so I know I can eventually get a good paying job, and so I have been aggressively seeking a job, but until I can get that job, I'm grateful to have the safety net.<br><br>I think anyone who needs help should be able to get it, but I also think that anyone who receives help should have to give something in return. <br><br>I don't think it's about getting a "free handout" or getting "something for nothing". I don't think anyone is abusing the system. I don't think that most people would rather accept a small check from the government than have a job.<br><br>I do believe that if you need help, you should be willing to give something in return to the community. This shouldn't be some sort of "indentured servitude". It should be fair. It should be a reasonable amount of time per week that doesn't interfere with your ability to look for other work. The pay should be fair, but the pay shouldn't be the point. You are getting help from the state, you should give back to the state. You should be required to do something for the community in return for receiving help. <br><br>This would most likely be some manual labor type jobs. Park cleanup is a great example. Whenever I walk through a park that uses inmates to keep it clean, it's always clean. When I walk through a park that pays contractors to clean it, it's always a mess. So it would be good for the community.<br><br>I would also consider teaching a valuable skill to be a valuable form of labor. We could have people who need help, teaching other people how to do things like sew, or change oil, or fix leaky faucets, or bake bread. Most valuable skills would be a great way to give back to the community. <br><br>If you disagree with me, can you change my view?