, many companies are planning their employee volunteer activities for this important day focused on getting involved. It is an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and his commitment to justice and equality. It is also a chance for companies to contribute to their communities and make a real difference in the lives of others.
However, it is important to remember that volunteerism is not just about showing up and doing a task. It is about building relationships with the community and working together to address systemic issues. Community-centered volunteerism is one foundational element of trust-based philanthropy, an approach to giving that addresses the inherent power imbalances that exist between funders, nonprofits and the communities they serve.
What Does It Mean to Be Community-Centered in Our Volunteer Approach?
Community-centered volunteerism means shifting our focus from our own needs and desires to the needs and desires of the community. It means listening to the community and working with them to identify their priorities. It also means recognizing that the community is the expert on their own lives and that we are there to support them, not to tell them what to do.
As a company, you too can be community-centered in your approach to MLK Jr. Day of Service, as well as any other employee volunteer initiatives. Here are a few tips:
Partner with a local organization that is already doing work in the community. This will help ensure that your volunteer efforts are aligned with the community’s needs.
Ask the organization how you can best support their work. Do not assume that you know what the community needs.
Be prepared to do the work that the organization needs to be done. This may not be the most glamorous work, but it is the work that will make a real difference in the community.
Be respectful of the community’s time and space. Do not overstay your welcome or make assumptions about the community.
Follow up with the organization after your volunteer event. Let them know how your employees felt about the experience and ask how you can continue to support their work.
In addition to the tips above, here are some questions that your company’s CSR leaders can ask themselves to ensure that their MLK Day volunteer activities are community-centered:
What are the root causes of the issues that we are trying to address?
How can we work with the community to address these root causes?
What are the community’s goals for MLK Day?
How can we help the community achieve these goals?
How can we ensure that our volunteer efforts are sustainable?
This MLK Jr. Day of Service, let’s shift our focus to redistributing power in service of a healthier and more equitable philanthropic ecosystem. By working together with community organizations and listening to the needs of the community, we truly can make a difference in the lives of others. And if you need some guidance, Points of Light’s
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, we know it takes a village to create vibrant workplaces where employees are equipped to contribute to the communities and causes they care about. So, when you need a trusted advisor to lean on, rely on Points of Light to be Your CSR Friend. Each month, our experts share their wisdom and wit to address a specific but often universal challenge related to your work as a corporate social impact practitioner.
Have questions about employee community engagement? Submit your question and it may be featured in a future blog post.
Dear CSR Friend,
As MLK Day approaches, my U.S.-based company wants to organize an enterprise-wide volunteer project to honor Dr. King, but I’m not sure how to do it in a way that’s truly respectful to his legacy. How can we ensure that our efforts are aligned with the values he stood for, and avoid coming across as performative?
Signed,
Aiming for Authenticity in Austin
Dear Aiming for Authenticity,
I applaud your effort to make MLK Day a “day on” rather than a “day off” while being reflective of the values and practices that the legacy of Dr. King represents such as nonviolence, equality, justice, unity, and compassion. On this day and every day, we must ensure that volunteer work upholds his vision by aligning with a community’s actual needs and providing opportunities to work together toward the greater good.
In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King said, “We cannot walk alone.” This quote serves as a great reminder that any volunteer work we do—especially in his name—should be done with the community, not for them. So how can CSR leaders plan meaningful, thoughtful projects that capture the spirit of MLK Day whether they’re encouraging employees to volunteer on their own, advising volunteer champions on creating projects in local markets or planning a company-wide endeavor? Here are a few guiding principles.
Be Respectful in Your Approach: Dr. King’s belief that nonviolent resistance was the most powerful and just way to achieve change wasn’t just about avoiding physical or structural harm. It was about being mindful and respectful in all actions. When you’re planning a volunteer project, make sure it doesn’t unintentionally hurt the community or distract a nonprofit from delivering their important mission. For example, don’t assume you know what the community needs without asking first. It’s important to approach these efforts with humility, engaging with local leaders to understand how your company can contribute in a helpful, sustainable way. This can also be demonstrated by finding an existing project that nonprofits have already planned and scheduled rather than putting your employer’s interests above others. Community-centered volunteerism means not only meeting needs but also respecting the dignity, expertise, and agency of those in the community.
Collaborate with the Community: Dr. King knew that real progress only happens when we are grounded in partnership, and that’s especially true for volunteer projects. Work with local organizations and community members to co-create something meaningful. Think also about internal collaboration, working alongside ERG leaders to make an impact on MLK Day. When everyone has a seat at the table, the work is more impactful and lasting.
Address Root Causes: Dr. King was all about fighting for equality and justice, so think about how your volunteer project can make a difference in tackling the primary drivers of community issues. Maybe it’s supporting educational programs, addressing food insecurity, or partnering with groups that work toward racial equity. The goal should be to align your efforts with Dr. King’s vision of a more just and equitable world. Don’t forget to create ways for all employees to participate regardless of their role or work setting to enable equal access across the workforce.
Include Listening & Learning: Dr. King emphasized the importance of education in combating ignorance and prejudice. MLK Day is a perfect time to educate colleagues about the broader social issues impacting communities. Consider building educational components into your volunteer projects, whether it’s a brief discussion about racial justice, an article to read ahead of time, or a guest speaker from the community. This helps employees understand the deeper context of the work they’re doing, creating a more meaningful and informed experience.
Lead with Care: At the core of Dr. King’s message was empathy and compassion for others, particularly those facing injustice. Encourage your employees to connect with the community on a personal level—whether it’s during the project or before and after. This is a chance for employees to not just do good but to really understand the experiences of others and show genuine care. Volunteer projects that focus on direct service are opportunities to practice compassion, not just as an act of kindness but as an act of justice.
Commit to Long-Term Collective Action: The impact of MLK Day should be more than just a one-day project. It’s an opportunity to inspire your employees to take sustained action toward positive change. Dr. King’s legacy was built on courage, moral leadership and persistence, so think about how your company can make ongoing commitments to the community, whether through continued volunteerism or, as mentioned above, other initiatives that tackle systemic issues.
A final note to those who work for multinational companies – central to Dr. King’s beliefs was the concept of “Beloved Community,” a global vision of a community with equal access to resources and opportunities for all people, not only in the U.S., but also around the world. He emphasized that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, so this framework can and should apply in all geographies.
Dr. King’s values and practices remain a blueprint for today’s social movements. By aligning your volunteer work with these principles, you honor his legacy while actively advancing the fight for justice and equality.
For those interested, we’ll be discussing many elements of community-centered volunteering at our conference next June.
18 Volunteer Opportunities You Can Join to be a Part of 2024 MLK Day of Service
As the 95th birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. approaches on January 15, 2024, people across the United States prepare to honor the birth of one of its most influential civil rights leaders. MLK Day of Service transcends remembrance, having evolved into a national day of service that actively honors Dr. King’s memory. This day encourages us to reflect on the impact of Dr. King’s work and take action to advance his vision for a better society. It’s the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
MLK Day of Service is a call to action, in the spirit of Dr. King, who once said, “Everybody can be great because anyone can serve.” These words are an invitation to contribute to our communities, addressing issues that we are passionate about and that resonate with the values Dr. King championed.
As champions of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Points of Light Global Network Affiliates are offering a variety of volunteer activities across the country, making it easier for everyone to find a way to make a difference in their community. And if you don’t see an event in your community listed below, take a look at
is collaborating with its dedicated partner, TEKsystems, to motivate its nationwide workforce to volunteer on MLK Day, especially in Baltimore. Their 2024 ambition is for all employees to participate in the “Day On Not Off,” either through sponsored events or individual volunteering, demonstrating a commitment to impact on MLK Day and beyond.
will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a tribute that has been running since 2014. After a pandemic hiatus, CVNL reignited the tradition in 2023. The event will feature opportunities for community service projects focusing on building a “Beloved Community” reflective of Dr. King’s ideals of inclusion, equity, justice and compassion.
will be offering a one-day Civic Leadership Training Series, crafted to empower individuals for year-round impactful community engagement. This dynamic program, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., equips attendees with essential skills for sustainable civic leadership in a collaborative, immersive learning experience.
will engage volunteers in metro Atlanta from Jan. 11-15, 2024, supporting more than 50 nonprofits focusing on food security, education and the environment, in line with Dr. King’s vision. This includes the 10th annual MLK Sunday Supper on Jan. 14, a gathering for Atlanta’s leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue about “Challenging the Status Quo.”
organizes an annual day of service in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., mobilizing volunteers, corporate partners and organizations across Central California. This year, MLK Serve Projects will be active in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Mariposa and Stanislaus Counties, addressing critical community needs.
and Shell Oil are teaming up to revitalize a public school campus in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The organization is seeking volunteers for various projects, including enhancing playgrounds, making over a library, constructing outdoor cafeteria seating, painting locker rooms and refurbishing basketball courts. The focus is on creating inclusive, stimulating spaces for individual and group play, incorporating STEM and music activities. Another event hosted by HandsOn New Orleans and Shell Oil will transform a budding public park via various outdoor projects, replicating the successful efforts of a local man who galvanized the community to restore his childhood recreation center after Hurricane Katrina.
has collaborated with Wake Forest University and others since 2010 to organize the Read-In event, promoting Dr. King’s ideals through literacy and service. The event pairs children ages 4 through 10 with college students for reading and enrichment activities, giving each child a civil-rights themed book. Annually engaging about 150 volunteers and 100 children, the event will take place this year at Winston-Salem State University.
will mobilize 1,500 volunteers across ten New Jersey counties for a variety of projects, including school transformations, park revitalization, a social justice walk, workshops and care package assembly. These impactful activities will take place both on the day of and the day before the holiday, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through community service.
will commemorate Dr. King’s influential 1964 speech at the Coliseum with the MLK 2024 Volunteer Festival at the same venue. This event, aimed at building a beloved community, will feature thousands of volunteers engaging in diverse activities like hands-on service, a Minecraft March on Washington and a marketplace showcasing local BIPOC-owned businesses.
, in partnership with AHRC, is organizing a diverse group of volunteers for food drives and emergency food aid delivery. The event includes a march from the First Baptist Church in Glen Cove to the Glen Cove Middle School, where volunteers, including AHRC Nassau members, will assemble food bags for the North Shore Soup Kitchen. The day will also feature a celebratory program with artistic expressions themed on diversity and inclusivity.
25th annual Day of Service will invite community members to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through meaningful service. Partnering with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC) and the Orange County Food Bank, this event supports initiatives that have been improving lives and communities and fighting poverty in O.C. for more than 56 years.
will again host its MLK Day of Service Food Packing Event. Launched in 2018 to address local hunger issues, this event engages volunteers in an assembly-line to pack 200,000 nutritious meals. These meals are then distributed by volunteers to various local food pantries, including churches and schools, ensuring widespread community impact.
will offer an MLK Day of Service event on the 20214 MLK Day of Service. This day will focus on neighborhood cleanups to enhance the environment and community unity, along with hosting voter registration drives at each site to encourage civic engagement and honor Dr. King’s vision of equality and active community participation.
7th MLK Day of Service will feature diverse civic engagement projects like “Listen and Learn” sessions on affordable housing, training for “SNAP Ambassadors”, donation scavenger hunts, park cleanups, STEM kit packing and more. The event will also include the presentation of the “Beloved Community Award” to a leader exemplifying Dr. King’s vision.
4th annual MLK Unity Celebration will feature the theme “Live, Love & Serve – Burlington County” from January 12-15. The event features a local video to inspire participation in MLK Day events and activities, available for individual viewing and at related events. Additionally, attendees can join the 18th annual MLK Challenge on MLK Day, involving card making and collections for three different causes.
will host its annual MLK Day of Service, a significant community event for 15 years, celebrating Dr. King’s legacy through service. This day includes diverse activities like service projects for local nonprofits, a nonprofit fair, food drive, community art, performances and a children’s area with literacy support through Imagination Library. Join the “Kindness for King” initiative and the MLK Drive Clean-Up to make a meaningful impact.
will host its MLK Jr. Weekend of Service, starting with a community conversation on “Racial Equity: Practices and Competencies to Build Stamina and Strength” on January 10, led by award-winning moderator Natasha A. Harrison. This panel features community leaders discussing the implementation of racial equity practices. On January 15, “Give Together,” a family-friendly volunteer event for children (ages 5-12), will offer service projects across various areas, including food insecurity and elder care, guided by teen leaders. This event includes reflection on Dr. King’s legacy and the opportunity for youth to earn Passport stamps through participation.
will host its MLK Day 2024 Civic Circle Discussion, where they explore nine ways to lead a purposeful civic life. Attendees will have the chance to reflect on community involvement, vision and actions to make that vision a reality.
Points of Light is proud of the work our affiliates are championing for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service this year. Do you want to participate in this day of service through volunteer opportunities near you? Visit
to search our database of hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities. Together, we can keep Dr. King’s dream alive and thriving in communities across the nation.
Make Martin Luther King Day a Day “On,” Not a Day Off
as a day off, we see it as a “day on.” It’s an opportunity to start your year in the spirit of volunteerism and service, continuing the legacy of Dr. King, who spent his life working to better the lives of others.
Just as Martin Luther King Jr. believed in service, so did Points of Light founder President George H. W. Bush. Once saying, “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others,” President Bush recognized the importance of this day when he signed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission Extension Act in 1989. In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating MLK Day as a national day of service.
Since then, each year on MLK Day, Points of Light calls together its community of changemakers to reflect on gains won during the Civil Rights Movement and to address contemporary issues facing our nation through acts of volunteer service.
ways you can get involved on Jan. 15, 2024 For a day on, not a day off
” call people to engage in dialogue about issues affecting their communities. Conversations, a form of civic engagement, about pressing topics are important because they are often the starting point for change.
is a special opportunity to bond, create memories and help others. Include kids in your MLK Day service plans. Volunteer together and use this time to lead by example around what MLK’s legacy means for the United States today.
.
As the first national day of service in 2024, let MLK Day be your start to a year-long commitment to service. Leading a life of volunteerism has been shown to have benefits not only to the community,
to jumpstart a year of volunteerism and service to make our communities, and the world, a better place for all.
9 Ways to Live Out MLK’s Legacy in Your Own Life
MLK Day of Service is a national day of service that focuses on human rights, racial equity and civic engagement. The third Monday in January is dedicated to the life and legacy of
is a framework to help you realize all the ways you can lead, lend support and take action. Often, people think that civic engagement needs to look one specific way – when the truth is that there are multiple ways to get involved, no matter where you are or how much time you have.
This year, mark your calendar for Jan. 15 and make a plan to get involved.
Ways to Live out MLK’s Legacy
Volunteer
Make MLK Day “a Day On, not a Day Off” by finding a volunteer opportunity.
is always needed, but on dedicated days like MLK Day, there are typically additional opportunities available. Community centers, schools, places of worship, food pantries and shelters near you may be hosting extra projects. You can search
. When we hear from others about their perspectives and the life experiences that have shaped their identities, we can better honor who they are and where they come from. Plus, we have the opportunity to expand our own perspectives. You can also learn how to support and advocate for people of color through Points of Light’s
, coining the phrase “Give Us the Ballot” in his 1957 speech. The United States national elections will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to get involved. Voting is a crucial part of driving change at the systemic level. Start by
to vote, then educate yourself on the issues and the people on this year’s ballot. You may also dedicate time to protecting democracy by advocating for voting rights for all Americans. Then, don’t forget to mark your calendar to ensure you’re ready to vote in November.
is one way to support communities – like BIPOC business owners – or causes you care about. By doing your homework, you can find out which brands that you might buy from regularly are supporting communities of color and advocating for human rights. This may be reflected in their donations, certain projects or campaigns they lead, how they lift up their BIPOC employees and more. Research before you buy, so you can ensure your hard-earned money is going toward the causes you care about.
Work
You might find ways to champion human and civil rights
, even if your job isn’t directly related to these missions. For example, you could organize a group of coworkers who are interested in volunteering on MLK Days. Or you might do a project featuring the voices of
in the community and screen it after work or on a lunch break to help educate and start a conversation within your workplace. If you don’t receive MLK Day off from work, you can also advocate with your employer to make this a day of service for employees.
Voice
Dr. King was a powerful voice in the Black community and used his influence to organize rallies and protests, petition for change and speak with public officials when he could. You can
in your own spheres of influence. This can start around the dinner table, presenting a topic you’re passionate about and leaving space for respectful debate and sharing perspectives. You might find a specific issue you want to champion and create an online petition for it. Or maybe you join an organized rally to make your voice heard. There are plenty of ways to use your words to communicate what you care about and pave the way for change.
Donate
If you want to use your resources to advocate for human and civil rights, you can also
to a cause or organization. By donating financially, you can let an organization allocate funds where they’re most needed. But even donating goods like
can greatly impact an individual or group of people who may not have access to these items. Just check with the organization you’re donating to first, to ensure that you’re contributing items they need and can use.
Service
If you want to follow Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps in dedicating your life to championing human and civil rights, you might consider making a vocation out of it. Through a
. Social entrepreneurs find innovative solutions to the world’s toughest issues, like inequality and racism. These individuals identify a need that hasn’t yet been met by the existing traditional structures, which takes a lot of time, creativity and grit but can also be a supremely impactful career option.
3 Ways You Can Make a Difference on MLK Day of Service
is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the “Beloved Community” of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action. This National Day of Service encourages companies, nonprofits and individuals to make a difference on MLK day.
During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. Here’s how to make a difference on MLK day, taking place on January 15, 2024, regardless of whether you’re working solo, as part of a corporate team or with a nonprofit organization.
Things Companies Can Do for MLK Day
Companies have a unique opportunity to participate in MLK Day, both by encouraging employee engagement and addressing racism and bias in the workplace. First, be sure to put together an internal communications plan that encourages employees to get involved and notifies them leading up to the day. You may also opt to organize a corporate volunteer project for your team or give paid volunteer time off for this day. If you need help with your employee engagement efforts, Points of Light’s
can be a great resource.
If you haven’t hosted training or education on racism, bias and inequalities in the workplace, make an effort to implement this, starting with MLK Day. Acknowledge that discrimination still exists and open the floor for your employees to discuss
featuring Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, that also offers additional resources for deeper learning.
Other ways you can help employees engage in this work might be centered around an educational opportunity, like a “Lunch and Learn,” to explore microaggressions, biases in communication and more. It could be a meeting that allows for challenging conversations about identity. Or it could be an all-staff email that recognizes the existence of discrimination and reiterates an open-door policy to address these issues with management.
can utilize MLK Day to spark engagement among employees and volunteers alike in a variety of ways. Your nonprofit might run a donation drive, host an event at a food bank or shelter, or run a campaign for donors to give to a specific cause related to dismantling racism and discrimination.
If your organization hasn’t yet, consider adding your volunteer opportunities to
, the world’s largest digital volunteer network. This collection of volunteer opportunities from sites across the web provides the most comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities in the world. Additionally, you can browse the
to get started. It’s a place that connects individuals to hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities — in person and virtual — all just waiting for the right volunteer to step up.
You can also check out Points of Light’s collection of
to find a project you can complete in your spare time. And don’t forget that even the smallest act of service, like caring for a sick loved one or picking up your elderly neighbor’s mail, counts as civic engagement and can create a ripple of positive impact in your own backyard and beyond.
20 Links to Help You Plan for the 2024 MLK Day of Service
For many companies, especially in the U.S., MLK Day is traditionally a “day on, not a day off.” Corporate volunteer managers spend weeks planning volunteer opportunities to share with their fellow employees, hoping to kick-off a year-long commitment to serve. This year is no different. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help guide you in planning a meaningful celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.
For those considering
mobilizing employees in service
to their communities, check out Points of Light’s extensive database of volunteer opportunities,
are curating or planning virtual and in-person projects that will take place on or around the King Day of Service. We also have a collection of youth-oriented
for those who want to share DIY instructions with employees who enjoy creating at-home impact while working alongside family and friends.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more companies interested in
building awareness and empathy among their employees
. Many companies have engaged their workforces in learning about complex issues like equity and human rights, and there could not be a more fitting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy to do more of the same!
Use MLK Day as a starting point for a 21-day Listen & Learn challenge similar to AT&T or share the resources we’ve curated as part of our Listen.Learn.Act to End Racism conversations in partnership with Morehouse College. Recordings of past conversations are available here. Consider extending employee learning and listening sessions into February, which is traditionally Black History Month in the U.S., or further into Women’s History Month in March. Continue these educational efforts throughout the rest of the year.
Offer employees the chance to learn more about the human experience and how to address biases through the free online course, To Be Welcoming, provided through the Starbucks Global Academy.
Deepen employees’ understanding of their own civic superpowers by sharing our Civic Life Today digital magazines. Each magazine covers one action an individual can take to make a positive impact in their community while also exploring how privilege plays a role. Employees will find stories, inspiration and additional resources to have meaningful conversations about civic life with family members.
Encourage employees to host conversations around the virtual dinner table with family, friends and neighbors. Enlist the help of an organization like Inclusivv or review our Courageous Conversation project guide for ideas. Engaging in dialogue with those who have diverse sets of views enables bridge-building and gets us one step closer to the Beloved Community that Dr. King envisioned.
Rather than activating employees in tribute to MLK’s legacy, use the holiday as a moment to communicate progress made on the company’s commitment to racial equity in response to the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
For companies that are still on the journey of
inward reflection and aligning corporate citizenship work with DEI strategy and infrastructure
,” which offers the C-suite an actionable framework for making significant progress toward a more equitable economy, starting in their headquarters’ regions.
For those considering using the day as an opportunity to
recognize and lift up employees who embody MLK’s values
or amplify the good work of your nonprofit partners that strive every day to create a more just society, AmeriCorps has put together a
that includes key messaging, press release and proclamation templates, social media graphics, logos and suggested hashtags. You might also consider using this annual milestone to nominate an employee volunteer or volunteer leader as a
.
Lastly, if you happen to have concentrations of employees in the metro Atlanta area, the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., you’ll find some amazing
taking place either on or around Jan. 15, 2024, hosted by the King Center.
The Urgency of Now
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
While the new year is a marker for a fresh start, it’s also a time to reflect on where we need to double down on the tough work that’s already underway. The “fierce urgency of now” that Dr. King talks about is precisely why, at Points of Light, we know that’s what we must do.
The world faces continued rapid change and challenges. According to the
, a publication by International IDEA, half the world’s democracies are in retreat, and the number of democracies has stagnated. Even in solidly democratic countries, there’s been little innovation in systems or structure.
Just last week, the United States House of Representatives was unable to function, as politics took precedence and held up the selection of a majority leader and, therefore, all of the important work of that chamber. Abroad, we see threats against free speech and democracy, like the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor and the refusal to concede elections in Brazil and Fiji.
It’s no wonder that a growing distrust remains the trend. The
, one of our guests, Eric Liu, CEO of Citizen University, said, “Democracy is a game of infinite, repeat play.” Which means no one is ever “winning” democracy. It’s ongoing, living in all of us – the power of people.
Democracy is a system, and like any system, it can be improved upon to ensure we’re meeting everyone’s needs. The
® is a framework that can help change a system for the better. It’s an onramp to engage people who aren’t quite sure how to get involved, and a way to deepen engagement for those who are purposefully engaged.
Just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led Black Americans and others advocating for equality to use their power in multiple ways – through their purchase power during the bus boycotts, using their voices in peaceful protest, registering voters despite being met with challenges, disputes and loopholes – we need to combine our actions to accelerate the change we want to see.
It’s a strategy that is sticky as evidenced in Points of Light’s
that showed that on the issue of civil rights, racial discrimination and social justice, people are still using their power through multiple actions. Of those who said they took action in this issue area, 77% said they took the time to listen and learn about the issues, 68% used their voice to share information about the issues; and 66% volunteered.
This year, Points of Light is looking at how we can combine and maximize the Civic Circle actions and work with our stakeholders to create change. What would it look like to use the Civic Circle to create a more equitable society?
Derrick Feldmann, founder of the Millennial Impact Project and researcher at Cause & Social Influence, recently shared that people must feel secure about their basic needs – defined as health, transportation and employment – to then move beyond survival mode and care about a social issue outside themselves.
While these are deeply complex issues, we cannot have a strong democracy without a healthy, equitable society. Could we use the Civic Circle to address health equity, as a means of strengthening democracy? These are questions we’re exploring. There is an urgency to answer them, and the moment is now.
What is your urgent question and how is it connected to a strong, vibrant democracy? Are you leveraging your power by combining multiple actions to make progress toward an answer and a solution?
Because that is what democracy is about – the power of people working together to create the change we want to see.
Diane Quest is the interim president and CEO of Points of Light. She has served as an executive leader at the organization since 2016, and brings 20 years experience in nonprofit and social impact organizations leading strategy, external affairs, partnerships, events and crisis communications.
4 Resources to Get Young Changemakers Engaged This Summer
Leading a civic life isn’t just about lending time and resources as an established adult. It’s also about involving youth, showing them that they, too, can make an impact, regardless of their age.
While young changemakers can stay involved all year long, summertime is prime time for kids to become more civically engaged. After all, school’s out, schedules tend to be more lax and there is ample time to fill with worthwhile activities. Plus, getting involved with causes you care about can be rewarding when done with those you love.
Fortunately, Points of Light has a wealth of resources for youth and families to get involved in their communities. Here are a few to get you started.
, a framework we created to show people that doing good comes in many forms. But have you taken a deep dive into each element of the Civic Circle in our free digital magazine series,
to publish nine unique issues, including interviews and articles from leaders in the field.
Best of all, at the back of each issue you’ll find a special section devoted to Youth and Family, with additional resources to explore. You’ll also discover a Personal Action Plan section, created in partnership with
, for your family members to figure out exactly how they can best leverage their time and talent for a specific cause area.
Find a Volunteer Opportunity
There are hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world, just waiting for the right volunteer to step up. Some of these opportunities are in person, while others are virtual or a combination of the two. Points of Light offers the world’s largest digital network, allowing you to search for these opportunities in an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
database listing volunteer opportunities—inside and outside of the home—that meet critical needs. You can search for volunteer projects in your local area, or get inspired by what’s happening in other areas and start your own initiative.
, summer is a great opportunity to do so. With a variety of different kinds of projects, from creating a mobile library to cleaning up a local park to collecting old cell phones, there are ample options for kids of all ages.
Each DIY Project guide comes with an overview and a step-by-step guide, including materials and resources needed, as well as helpful tips along the way. Take special note of those “Pre-Project Discussion” questions. They can help you start a rich dialogue with your children that connects the “what” of the project to the “why.”
Celebrate Your Civic Journey
At Points of Light, we’re firm believers in the power of recognition. If your kids have taken the time to learn, grow and get more involved with causes they care about, that’s certainly worth celebrating! This celebration might look like getting ice cream after wrapping up that volunteer day, debriefing with some “wins” after completing your DIY project or maybe something even bigger.
Points of Light’s founder, President George H.W. Bush created the
to honor ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things. If your family knows of someone in your community who is leading and lending support in the volunteer space, nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award. (Psst – you can also hold your own “award ceremony” as a family, giving each member special recognition for something unique that they brought to your volunteer activity.)
However your family chooses to get engaged, know that you are setting a wonderful example for a life of service. Many nonprofit founders and recipients of the Daily Point of Light Award reflect on how concepts like volunteering and donating were taught early on and became ingrained in them from a young age. The seeds you’re planting today could lead your kids to a more active, civically engaged life for decades to come.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy Through Community Volunteerism
As the largest national day of service, MLK Day is valued as a day “on,” not a day off – an opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made, and re-commit ourselves to addressing contemporary issues facing our nation through meaningful civic dialogue and community volunteerism.
Each year on the third Monday in January, millions around the country unite in service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. And in communities around the country, Points of Light Network affiliates start the year off in the spirit of volunteerism and service, creating hundreds of opportunities for individuals, families, nonprofits and business to work together to build stronger, more resilient communities. This year, we want to shine a light on five affiliate organizations that not only brought together thousands of volunteers on MLK Day of Service, but are also committed to carrying forward Dr. King’s legacy all year round.
Hands On Atlanta
Hands On Atlanta provides diverse and unique service opportunities for its community, including arts and culture, youth and family services and hunger and homelessness projects. For MLK Day weekend, Hands On Atlanta brought together nonprofits, individuals, families and schools to honor Dr. King’s legacy and his vision of the “Beloved Community.” The organization engaged more than 2,000 volunteers to serve at 32 projects across metro Atlanta, participating in a diverse and impactful series of events at local nonprofits and schools.
At Truly Living Well, volunteers helped winterize fruit trees, composted and helped clean a pond. With a pop-up letter writing station outside of the King Center, participants joined the Atlanta Legends football team to craft encouraging messages for Atlanta public school teachers. Volunteers helped create a large mural at Frederick Douglass High School; sorted diapers and bundled clothing at Helping Mamas; and helped organize supplies for classes at the Amani Women’s Center, which gives refugee women a place to work and learn.
Jersey Cares
As a leader in volunteerism in New Jersey, Jersey Cares envisions a community in which everyone is motivated and empowered to make a positive difference. Since its founding in 1993, the organization has been engaging volunteers in rewarding and effective efforts that address local community needs. Each year on MLK Day of Service, Jersey Cares brings together people of all ages across the state to build a stronger New Jersey and give life to the words spoken by Dr. King, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
This year, more than 3,000 volunteers engaged in more than 7,000 hours of service. Volunteer projects included revitalizing schools with organization and beautification activities, creating bravery award kits for children of deployed military parents, building birthday-in-a-bag kits for children who spend their birthdays in a shelter, and giggle bags for children in hospitals.
OneOC
Accelerating nonprofit success is the core mission of OneOc. For more than 60 years, the organization has provided volunteer opportunities, training and consulting for nonprofits across the Orange County, California, area to help them become as efficient and effective as they are passionate about their mission. OneOC celebrated its 20th year of honoring Dr. King on MLK Day of Service, and made it a “day on” through meaningful service opportunities for their community.
This year, OneOC partnered with the Orange County Food Bank in Garden Grove, California, to offer volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, families and companies to address the critical issue of hunger in the community. More than 1,460 volunteers, including 64 family volunteer groups, participated and packed more than 12,000 boxes of food that will be distributed to low-income community members in need.
United Way of Central Carolinas
When neighbors help neighbors, people from all walks of life can solve the most difficult local problems and build stronger communities. That is the mission of United Way of Central Carolinas, as they focus on education, health and financial stability for every member of their community. Each year, the organization turns this spirit of service into an opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with family-friendly projects for hundreds of volunteers.
The organization’s MLK Day projects not only deliver valuable assistance to nonprofits, schools and other service providers, but they also allow participants to start the new year by reflecting on the meaning of Dr. King’s life of service. This year, the United Way hosted four project sites around the Charlotte area, where more than 1,000 volunteers came together to answer Dr. King’s call to serve. Volunteers made more than 200 crib blankets for new families in need, created more than 1,000 alphabet and number sets for students, wrote hundreds of encouragement cards for seniors, and created materials geared towards early childhood literacy. Whether it’s the needs of an entire neighborhood or simply the needs one family has tomorrow, United Way of Central Carolinas is dedicated to bringing volunteers together to help their community reach its full potential.
Volunteer Memphis
For more than 40 years, Volunteer Memphis has been connecting people with opportunities to serve their community. Volunteers are at work every day of the year tutoring and mentoring children, helping individuals and families make pathways out of poverty and create environmental conservation opportunities.
For its third annual MLK Day weekend, Volunteer Memphis partnered with more than 30 community groups to facilitate more than 100 projects that united residents in making a difference. Projects included outdoor clean-ups, tree planting, distributions of clothing to homeless populations, and mentorship activities with MENTOR. More than 2,000 volunteers collected more than 100 bags of trash, planted more than 40 trees, put hundreds of much-needed items into the hands of the homeless, and collected thousands of tires that will be recycled into one of the longest porous trails in the world. “We answered Dr. King’s call to serve and make a difference in the lives of all Mid-South residents,” said Andrea Hill, director of Volunteer Memphis. “Volunteer service is a powerful tool that unites us around a common purpose and builds strong communities.”
