“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Americans first celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Jan. 15th birthday as a federal holiday in 1986. But it’s not just a day off school! Congress also declared the third Monday in January a national day of service in 1994.
This year we observe this special day on Monday, January 17.
Each year the President releases a proclamation about Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Last year's proclamation from President Joseph Biden read, in part:
In our time, it’s about recognizing that for much too long we’ve allowed a narrowed and cramped view of the promise of America — a view that America is a zero-sum game, particularly of the recent past. “If you succeed, I fail.” “If you get ahead, I fall behind.” And maybe worst of all, “If I can hold you down, I lift myself up.”
Instead of what it should be — and it’s just self-evident — “If you do well, we all do well.” That’s keeping the promise of America.
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What kind of service projects can you do to honor Martin Luther King Jr.? Anything! Any type of public service honors Dr. King and his vision. The Corporation for National & Community Service recommends projects that can continue to benefit your community throughout the year and that connect participants to the life and teachings of Dr. King, including some time to reflect on his teachings.
Specifically, the group offers these suggestions to involve kids in the day of service:
- Make cards for nursing home residents
- Adopt an elderly neighbor or nursing home
- Have a book drive
- Package care bags for homeless or families in need
- Make no-sew fleece blankets for children in the hospital
- Collect and sort school supplies to benefit a local shelter or library
- Rake leaves or shovel snow for elderly or disabled neighbors
- Create a game day at a local home for adults with disabilities
- Visit with animals at a local shelter
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter
- Participate in charity walks or runs
On MLKDay.gov, you can search for events in your area or register your own event so other people can find it and join you in your efforts.
