Prime Minister Gordon Brown chose Sunday newspaper The News of the World to announce plans to create "a clear expectation" that all young people will undertake community service.
He said Labour's next manifesto would include plans for compulsory community service, which would build on compulsory citizenship studies in the 14 to 16 curriculum.
He added: "We can take immediate steps in the next school year to boost national youth community service."
Terry Ryall, chief executive at volunteering charity v, said: "We welcome the government's proposals to further expand the range of community service options available to young people, and we have already engaged in detailed discussions with several government departments to share our knowledge and expertise on these issues."
She added: "V has already introduced an innovative online awards scheme, which enables young people across England to gain recognition for 50 hours of community action. The v50 Award provides young people with an important opportunity to record the hours spent volunteering, and reflect on the skills they have gained through their placements."
