Make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a day of service

Jennifer Weichel<weichel@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

What are you doing for others? Take action and plan now to be part of something positive on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 18, 2016.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?” This famous quote challenges all of us to think about what we are specifically doing for others. I would encourage you to take action and plan now to be part of something positive on Jan. 18, 2016, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. This day is set aside with the hope that individuals from all backgrounds, income levels and professions will come together in service to make a difference in their communities, bridge gaps, find solutions to problems and inspire the next generation to lead the way to better communities.

Start planning your service event today and get engaged to make a change where you work or live. You can inspire those around you to get involved and give people in your city a place to volunteer when you register your Martin Luther King, Jr. Day project so that others can volunteer to help make your event a success. The National and Community Service website also has a variety of materials to help you plan your Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service event. Check them out and begin recruiting your friends, family and neighbors to be part of your project.

You can take the pledge to not only serve on this one day but the whole year by taking the pledge to serve. Making a difference in your community and committing to be the positive example in your school, church, group, club, family or with your friends can have a lasting impact. When we all come together and perform small acts of kindness, they all add up to big changes over time.

If you would like to find out about volunteering with a Michigan State University Extension programs like 4-H, contact your local MSU Extension office.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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