Our US offices will be closed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We encourage you to take time to safely volunteer in your community, learn about Dr. King’s legacy of advancing civil rights, and reflect on the work still left to be done.
Significance of the day
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 18, 2021, is the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off”, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 18, 2021, is the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off”, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
The Diversity in Action team has compiled the following suggestions for how you can honor Dr. King’s legacy on Monday:
Virtual Events
Monday, January 18th from 10:30-1:45 PM EST
Atlanta History Center – Virtual Film Festival
Friday, January 15th through Tuesday January 19th
Causes to Support
AmeriCorps and The King Center lead the MLK Day of Service in partnership with numerous national nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community groups, state service commissions, and other government agencies. In addition, each year CNCS awards grants to organizations to develop and coordinate service projects on the MLK Day of Service.
The grantees are:
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New Stories (Compassion Games)
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The Center for Citizen Leadership – DBA The Mission Continues
Honor MLK Jr’s Legacy within your community
Make a plan to serve on MLK Day. To help you get started, we’ve gathered some easy ways you can help your community.
- Check on your neighbors, friends, and family – especially those who are older or may be alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day.
- Prefer to volunteer while staying at home? Check out AllForGood.org for service ideas.
- Many states are identifying local volunteer opportunities; visit your State Service Commission’s website for details.
- Check with your area school system to see if they need volunteers to distribute food (or other items) to children and families in need.
- Donate to food banks and pantries to help them stock up or volunteer at a food bank that needs help packing and sorting food using safe practices. Visit Feeding America or Food Pantries to find an organization near you.
- Help out someone you know or contact your local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer.
- If you are able to safely travel or are local to a National Park, MLK day is a fee free day for all national parks which offer volunteer opportunities
- Take your pick and pledge action today.
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