It’s fitting that Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated the day before the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama. So many people across the country and around the world are inspired by this historic event. Wouldn’t it be great if we could take that enthusiasm and transform it into something great by participating in the Day of Service project? Here are some details on the project from www.mlkday.gov:
During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals.
Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. With thousands of projects planned across the country, the 2009 King Day of Service on January 19 promises to be the biggest and best ever!
With so many people in need, volunteering is more important than ever. As mothers, we can set a good example for our children by using our skills and time to help people in need. If you need help figuring out how to contribute, check out America Serves- MLK Day Challenge. This site has a wide-variety of service ideas including activities as simple as blood donation.
And you can get your kids involved too. The Day of Service project has resources for parents, including suggestions that you read a children’s book about Dr. King (Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
How are you getting involved? Please leave a comment if you’re doing something on 1/19/09.
Wondering what Candace and I are doing aside from asking you to volunteer? We’ve been involved in numerous service projects over the years. Candace is currently working with the families of deployed soldiers while I try to help at-risk students and educational charities.
