One Way Every Day: January 17 - MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 17, 2011

January 17 - MLK Day of Service

On January 17, 2011 we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the holiday recognizing one of America's greatest heroes-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. To mark the 25th anniversary of the King holiday, and to encourage ongoing service throughout the year, we will be launching the MLK 25 Challenge. It's a call to all Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities.

On the 25th anniversary of the King Federal Holiday, Americans across the country will honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities, making it a “day on, not a day off” – a national day of service to bring Americans together to help others.

Led by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the King Center, the MLK Day of Service will include thousands of projects spread across all 50 states. Families, students, congregations, employees, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds will come together to celebrate MLK Day by making a difference in their communities.

Projects will include delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, signing up mentors, reading to children, promoting nonviolence, and more, with many projects starting on the MLK Day of Service and lasting throughout the year. By serving on the King Holiday and throughout the year, we can realize King’s dream of equality and opportunity for all and build America’s new foundation.

Get Involved:

Find a Service Project in your area.