#MLKDAY – A Day of Service

Today, Jan. 20, 2020, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day – a federal holiday that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The holiday was signed into federal law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. MLK Day was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

But did you know…t his is meant to be a  day of service? 

The holiday is meant to be “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”  ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

FOR THOSE STILL WORKING

While this is a federal/state holiday, it is not one mandated to be a day off work for all privately owned companies. Only 33% of non-state and federal employers give this time off. So if you have to be at work, we get it. 

However, you can still make it a day of service. Consider taking a moment to reach out to your HR or your department head. Make the request that even if it’s not a day off, that it be a day of service starting next year where employees can go out in groups, with company t-shirts even, to do a day of service together. (Trust me, most companies love to be represented by community minded employees this way.)

Also, there is still time after work that you can do something small. Check out the list below.

FOR THOSE WITH THE DAY OFF

For those with the day off, what are you going to do to make this a “day on.” Some great ideas are listed below.

*This list is a shortened version of the one found at https://blog.fundly.com/community-service-ideas/ to be things doable in the short term for 1 day of service. Check out the bigger list for more fantastic ideas!

GENERAL

Volunteer at a local nonprofitParticipate in a national giving or remembrance dayClean up your local park or playgroundPlant trees, flowers, or other plantsRepair broken household items or appliances for neighborsWrite and send letters to soldiers and veterans

HELP KIDS / SCHOOLS

Volunteer at a youth shelterDonate used books to a children’s libraryDonate your used electronics to a schoolDonate baby clothes and suppliesJoin a group like Big Brothers, Big SistersDonate stuffed animals to kids in hospitals

HELP SENIOR CITIZENS

Take flowers to nursing home residentsCook a meal for a seniorDecorate doors at a nursing home for the holidaysHost agame night at a nursing homeTeach an elderly person a card game or trickTeach an elderly neighbor computer skillsAdopt a grandparentWrite letters for a seniorDeliver cookies or snacks to elderly neighbors

HELP ANIMALS / ENVIRONMENT

Volunteer at an animal shelterSponsor an animal in your city’s zooBuild birdhouses for your neighborhoodDonate to a local animal shelterCollect pet food and supplies for a shelterPlant trees in a local parkClean up a stretch of highway/local park/common areas in your neighborhoodSpruce up a park trail or hiking areaBike to work or school

HELP HOMELESS / HUNGRY

Collect household items for a homeless familyGive grocery coupons to a local food bankCreate care packages with essential itemsDonate toys and school supplies to a homeless shelterDonate blankets to a homeless shelterVolunteer at and donate to your local food bankCreate portable first aid kits for the homelessDonate gently used clothing and shoesSpend time at a soup kitchen

CRIME REDUCTION & SAFETY

Become part of your neighborhood watch groupJoin an organization like DAREPaint over graffiti in your neighborhoodStart a violence protection group in your community

SPECIAL NEEDS FOCUS

Hold a crayon and marker driveCollect school supplies for special needs classroomsHelp make sure your neighborhood is handicap accessibleDonate to a care center in your community

NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

Campaign for more bike lanes and sidewalksPick up trash around the neighborhoodRake leaves for neighborsJoin your neighborhood watch groupHelp people clean their gutters