Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day occurs on January 20, 2014. Since 1994, this federal holiday has been celebrated as a day of service, a fitting tribute to the civil rights leader. Dr. King promoted nonviolence as a powerful tool in accomplishing social change. Consider ways that you can promote the goal of peace and equal rights today.

Speak up.

The call for change begins with a single voice. If you have an issue that is important to you, tell people about it. Educate a friend. Organize a petition. Write to your congressional representatives. If it matters, get the word out.

Meet the needs of your community.

A struggling school could use volunteer tutors. Food banks need volunteers to sort and package donations. Participate in cleaning up a local park or other recreational area. Your efforts to improve quality of life for the community can enable others to succeed.

Gather together to remember.

It’s nice to have the day off from work or school, but it’s also important to remember why. A life was cut tragically short while working to secure and protect civil rights for everyone. Check out the Day of Service website and find a place you can serve. Join together and discuss the issues in your community, and find ways to make a positive change.

Dr. King remarked, “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what’s important.” Take time to enrich the quality of your own life and others’ lives on January 20 by taking part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.