Martin Luther King Day of Service

Make It a Day ON, Not a Day Off!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. On January 21st, 2008, millions of Americans across the country will once again honor his legacy by taking part in a wide range of service projects—conducting food drives, painting schools and community centers, recruiting mentors for needy youth, and bringing meals to homebound neighbors, to name but a few.

In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008 is also pleased to join with other organizations in supporting a new initiative, “40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community.” Under this initiative, the King Day of Service will kick off 40 days during which families, schools, faith communities, and other organizations will plan service projects and educational activities promoting Dr. King’s message of nonviolence and social justice. Click here for more information."

This is from the web site MLKDay.gov. More resources are here. I really like the initiative "40 Days of Nonviolence". You can find resources, educational materials, and background information here.

There are all sorts of projects suggested such as:

• Visit a senior center, veteran's home or nursing home and sing, play games, make food baskets, cook, make arts and crafts
• Create a party / celebration for the legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement
• Collect toys or clothes to give to homeless shelters
• Read and be read to
• Start a tree nursery
• Record oral histories of older adults in your community for your class
• Role-play situations about Dr. King
• Write and perform a play about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement
• Paint Murals
• Make greeting cards for seniors or kids in hospitals

It doesn't have to take place just today, the actual holiday. It is happening all over the country, even in your neighborhood.

This is a great way to make a positive difference in the world in very simple, enjoyable ways with other like-minded, friendly people. Go to the site and search for something in your town and get involved!