Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A National Day of Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A National Day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to the service of others as a pastor and civil rights leader. 

With his commitment to service in mind, the federal holiday that was established in 1983 was transformed a decade later to be a holiday and a National Day of Service. Every year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King’s National Day of Service is designated as “a day on, not a day off”. Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.” It is the only national service holiday. Americans are encouraged to honor Dr. King’s life and service by serving others and their communities.

Dr. King said, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”  If you are looking for a service opportunity to celebrate this holiday, you can find more information at AmeriCorps, the only federal agency that works for community service and volunteerism. – Library of Congress

What can a service opportunity look like?

Sometimes the most important and most significant service opportunities are within arms reach—in our own community, in our own neighborhood. Each of us can make a difference with the people in our daily lives—the folks we work, the people we intersect with, and those around us who may just need a helping hand in a time of need.

If you are inspired by the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, take a look around at the people around you and in your community. You’ll likely find local organizations, nonprofits, and community volunteers helping where and how they can. These groups help people in need to make their communities a better place for all.

A service opportunity can be another way to express acts of kindness for those who may be in need of a little help. And we all have the capacity to be kind and lend a helping hand.