A Day On, Not a Day Off: Serving Your Community on MLK Day
Monday, January 16, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), a federal holiday in the U.S. The fact that a federal holiday was designated to commemorate the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is significant - only two other figures have national holidays in the U.S. honoring them: George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging Americans to observe the King Holiday as a national day of service that brings together people from different backgrounds to address the needs in their community. Today, millions of people will participate in our nation's recovery and renewal by volunteering their time in community events from coast to coast.
This year, people are feeling especially moved to participate in the day of service. The tensions associated with the events of the past year have many people feeling anxious about the future. The feeling of being part of a broader community helping to serve others will provide some relief to that anxiety.
United We Serve, President Obama’s nationwide service initiative, is built upon the belief that ordinary people can come together and achieve extraordinary things when given the proper tools. The Corporation for National and Community Service manages a website which serves as a tool for those seeking opportunities to come together and serve.
The Council applauds our members who are involved with community events being held in observance of MLK Day. We encourage all within our sector to make time to serve in your communities and to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.
