Martin Luther King Day of Service - a "Day On, Not a Day Off"

The third Monday of January is celebrated as a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However this holiday is different from other holidays, as it is a "day on, not a day off" work. In 1994 the United States Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, in recognition of Dr. King's incredible legacy of service to all.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said. Dr. King believed in and devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all Americans. By working together to serve our communities we can continue Dr. King's dream. We will create economic opportunities by improving education, strengthening healthcare services and improving financial literacy.

Service is also a powerful way to improve your own life.  Not only does volunteering help your community, but it helps build your skills and your resume. On average volunteers have 27% higher odds of securing a job than non-volunteers; in rural communities that number is even higher at 55%. Also volunteering makes you feel good about yourself!

Do you need some ideas of ways you can help? Here are some links to national and local organizations that coordinate volunteer activities.

Nationally:
 http://www.handsonnetwork.org/

 http://www.serviceforpeace.org/

http://www.nationalservice.gov/

http://www.idealist.org/

Locally:
http://cce.wsu.edu/

So, go out and serve today!

Lori C. Lewis
Administrative Assistant