Monthly Feature November 2007 - January 2008: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 21, 2008
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 and 1968, 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, "I Have a Dream."
40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community Read about the 40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community initiative and access a wide variety of resources.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service
On January 21, 2008, help celebrate the 22nd 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
Plan Your Service Project
Some project ideas include:
- 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 people with disabilities
- Serving meals at a homeless shelter
- Holding a workshop about Dr. King's life
Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service Website
The Corporation for National and Community Service wants to help you publicize your event. Visit the website at www.mlkday.gov, where you’ll find project tips and examples and marketing materials such as T-shirts, posters, and flyers. You will also find the guides "Working with the Media," “Fundraising Toolkit,” and “Project Planning Toolkit.” And don’t forget to register your organization’s event!
The Martin Luther King Day of Service is a powerful opportunity to introduce individuals to the wonders of volunteering, and to promote the good works your organization is already doing.
Grant Information
Through a network of intermediary organizations, each year the Corporation for National and Community Service makes available approximately $500,000 to nonprofit groups to organize and implement Martin Luther King, Jr., Day service projects. For more information on these organizations, application deadlines, and how to apply, visit the Grant Funds web page. Please e-mail questions to mlkday@cns.gov or call (202) 606-5000.
From The Resource Center
Videos
- 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 of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the civil rights movement.
Effective Practices
- Planning a Martin Luther King. Jr., Day of Service
- Involving children of prisoners in a Martin Luther King, Jr., Day event
- Offering educational activities for children on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
- Instituting a new service day by combining university and community resources
- Promoting literacy through service projects
Links to Useful Sites
Online Resources