MLK Day Offers Americans Opportunity to Unite through Service

Federal agency calls on media to raise awareness of service opportunities available in communities across the nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As America prepares to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the federal agency responsible for AmeriCorps and the nation’s volunteer efforts, is calling on Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through volunteer service by providing tools and resources to help members of the media connect citizens to volunteer opportunities in their area.

“Dr. King’s life is a shining example that one person can make a difference and change the course of history,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). “By volunteering in communities across the nation on the MLK Day of Service, we honor his legacy through the spirit of service.  I hope all Americans will find a way to turn their passion into action and be inspired to make volunteering part of their lives all year long.”

Finding a local service event in your area for MLK Day is as easy as visiting MLKDay.gov and entering your ZIP code. Additional resources for media, including public service announcements, are available here.

With an emphasis on creating opportunity for all, families, students, employees and individuals of all ages and backgrounds will re-commit themselves as citizens by volunteering in service to one another. Projects, many of which are led by AmeriCorps members, will include delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, building homes, and providing other services for veterans and military families.

In 1994, Congress designated MLK Day as the first and only federal holiday observed as a national day of service, and charged CNCS with leading this effort. For more information about CNCS or national service, please visit nationalservice.gov.