Monthly Feature November - December 2006: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2007

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said that life's most persistent question is "What are you doing for others?" And during the course of his life he modeled the answer to this question by serving tirelessly. Between 1957 and1968, Dr. King traveled over six million miles, spoke more than 2500 times, and wrote five books and numerous articles. In 1963, championing civil rights for black Americans, he directed the peaceful march on the mall in Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a; Dream."

On January 15, 2007, help celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday by participating in a service project in your community. Service is a significant way to honor Dr. King because it benefits your community, helps your organization recruit new volunteers and partners, and brings together diverse types of people.

A service project can be sponsored by a single organization, or it can involve wide-ranging partnerships between charities, communities of faith, government agencies, or businesses. It can take place locally or citywide. Some projects can be completed in just one day, while others might be the beginning of an ongoing endeavor!

Here are some project ideas to get you thinking:

  • Removing graffiti from a building and painting a mural
  • Building a playground
  • Participating in a neighborhood watch
  • Bringing meals to homebound neighbors
  • Running a day camp for children with working parents
  • Shoveling elderly neighbors' walkways
  • Arranging a health fair
  • Teaching technology skills to seniors
  • Devising crafts projects for children in hospitals
  • Making a public space accessible to the disabled
  • Serving meals at a homeless shelter
  • Holding a workshop on Dr. King's life

The Corporation for National and Community Service wants to help you publicize your event. Access the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service Toolkit at www.mlkday.gov, where you’ll find marketing materials such as T-shirts, posters, flyers, and the guide "Working with the Media." During the next few months, the Corporation will be adding reflection guides, resources to engage young people, materials that support a sustainable expansion effort, as well as the technology for registering both projects and volunteers. Be sure to check back for updates.

The King Day of Service is a powerful opportunity to introduce individuals to the wonders of volunteering. Across the volunteer sector, the Corporation has announced its ambitious goal for the year 2010 of increasing the number of volunteers by 10 million. So, if you have been involved in a King Day of Service volunteer project in the past, this is a great year to think event bigger!

If you have questions or need help with ideas, or if you want to connect with other grantees, please e-mail mlkday@cns.gov or call Rhonda Taylor at (202) 606-6721

Videos from the Resource Center Library

  • In Remembrance of Martin
    Featuring archival footage and commentary from family and friends, including Coretta Scott King and the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, this informative documentary commemorates the life and work of the civil rights leader.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Historical Perspective Provides rare film footage and photographs that trace Dr. King's life and political progress.
  • Martin Luther King: Commemorative Collection Includes two programs: the first features intimate reminiscences by family, friends, and colleagues, while the second features all of King's major orations, including his immortal "I Have a Dream" speech.
  • Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr. Examines the life and legacy of the legendary leader through interviews with his confidants and extensive analysis of his speeches and sermons.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A video biography of the life Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.

From the Effective Practices Collection

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