Each year, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by uniting in service to build the Beloved Community. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is an opportunity for Americans of all walks of life to come together to heal divides and create everlasting connections with one another. It also allows us to become champions who lead our own causes. Dr. King inspired generations of Americans with his resonating “I Have a Dream” speech and his constant dedication to racial equality.
As we continue working towards creating a more just and equitable community, we must also empower our communities, choosing to make a difference and get things done to encourage others to take the same leap. Find the inspiration to make a difference this MLK Day.
Leading through Action
For nearly 30 years, MLK Day has grown with an unwavering amount of support thanks to our country’s leaders and volunteers.
Last year, our nation’s leaders demonstrated how service is a vessel that can unite and transform communities. AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith joined Vice President Kamala Harris, US Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Governor Wes Moore to serve alongside our nation’s students and volunteers in honor of MLK Day. From beautifying schools to joining in tutoring sessions and assembling care packages, our leaders rolled up their sleeves to help our communities in need.
Americans Continue to Unite, Serve, and Transform on MLK Day
This year, Americans will once again step up to help build Dr. King’s dream of the Beloved Community. From sharing their transformative stories to days-long gatherings, people have the opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service.
This year, Literacy New Jersey, an organization that helps adults read, write, and communicate effectively, invites participants to hear how service helped transform the lives of many in the community. Our nation’s leaders, like Representative Reginald Atkins, join the annual MLK Day event to hear student success stories, meet the AmeriCorps members and volunteers, and learn about the importance of adult literacy in the community.
Compassion Games, an organization that encourages people to inspire one another to reveal and promote acts of compassion that better lives and communities, will host the 40 Days of Peace hybrid events to educate about the importance of Dr. King’s legacy in our communities. From concerts to discussions and panels with leaders, the events will bring together people from all walks of life to share their service stories and explore how to build the Beloved Community.
Find Your Inspiration on MLK Day
Now is the time to become a leader and inspire others this MLK Day by uniting in service. Whether it's helping an elderly person cross the street, recovering a house destroyed by severe weather, or volunteering at your local recreation center, you empower your community while encouraging others to step up and help fight injustices. Start building your pathway to leadership this Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service. Find a volunteer opportunity near you or even find resources to create a project yourself.