For 30 years, AmeriCorps has led the MLK Day of Service, bringing Americans together to build bridges and heal divides across the nation.
In 1994, Congress tasked AmeriCorps with leading Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. Today, the importance of service remains unchanged – to overcome the forces that try to divide us, to see each other’s humanity, and give our neighbors a helping hand.
For three decades, @AmeriCorps has been honored to lead the #MLKDayOfService and unite Americans to build the #BelovedCommunity. As you serve to make Dr. King's dream a reality, grab your #MondayMotivation from @TheKingCenter's CEO, @BerniceKing. #MLKDay #AmeriCorps30 pic.twitter.com/GD6w0Ttvjw
— AmeriCorps (@AmeriCorps) January 15, 2024
This MLK Day 2024, thousands of Americans nationwide united to build the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dreams. Volunteers distributed fresh food, revamped their local schools, assembled care packages, and so much more to strengthen their communities.
Each year, MLK Day Champions, organizations, and nonprofits from across the country join AmeriCorps and the King Center to honor Dr. King’s legacy and create lasting change for our communities.
Check out some of the MLK Day service projects from across the nation:
City of Orlando
As an MLK Champion, the City of Orlando united its residents to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King through service. Together they kicked off MLK Day with U.S. Hunger to pack one million meals for people in need.
Civic Works in the Snow
It may have been cold and snowing but that didn’t stop volunteers serving with Civic Works. Their volunteers braved the icy weather to clean up our community outdoor spaces.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our MLK Day of Service this morning! 👏 Give a special applause to those who showed up for our outdoor projects!
Check out our volunteer superstars cleaning up community spaces at Herring Run Parks and Hilltop Drive out in the snow! 🌱❄️ pic.twitter.com/CLfXSwTwK6— Civic Works, Inc. (@CivicWorksInc) January 15, 2024
Reading Partners Combat Hunger
In Colorado, Reading Partners joined forces with Volunteers of America and our AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program to get things done for food and housing security in their community. United they spent the day of service building pantry boxes and hygiene kits for their neighbors.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring in 2024 by taking action and showing up for your neighbors!
In the last 30 years, we’ve seen how service transforms communities and lives – from young people channeling their passions into purpose and careers to older folks passing down wisdom while building meaning and fulfillment in their own lives. AmeriCorps members turn one year of service into a lifetime of giving back. During our 30th anniversary, we celebrate and usher in the next era of service to see how it will continue to evolve to meet our country’s ever-changing needs.
As the year continues, we encourage you to keep the momentum going. Find volunteer opportunities to help others throughout the rest of the year.
