MLK Day Community Wide Day of Service

Thank you to Everyone who participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Wide Day of Service!

Monday, January 17, 2011

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be. With his leadership, our nation made great strides against racial discrimination and toward increased civil rights.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing social needs today. Each of us can contribute to strengthening our own communities by serving in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s honor on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and throughout the year. And, by making service part of our daily lives, we can help realize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and support our nation’s renewal and recovery.

What Is the MLK Day of Service?

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, addresses social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

Why Serve on MLK Day?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Service is integral to meeting national challenges such as poverty, economic insecurity, illiteracy, hunger, environmental degradation, and more.

In addition to helping solve serious problems, service brings people from different backgrounds together, and benefits those who serve.

What Types of Service Are Encouraged?

All types of service are encouraged, particularly projects that connect participants to ongoing service throughout the year. Projects include preparing and delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, removing graffiti and cleaning neighborhoods, reading to children, training mentors or tutors for youth, and much more. Many service projects are connected to the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and include time to reflect upon his life and teachings.

Who Can Participate in the MLK Day of Service?

People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to serve on MLK Day, and to make the day the beginning of an ongoing commitment to a cause that is meaningful to them and serves a need in their community.