MLK Jr. Day of Service
Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a “day on, not a day off.”
Building the Beloved Community
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. Following his example, millions of Americans serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. At our children’s schools, at a local shelter, or lending a hand to help our neighbors – we bring to life his vision of neighbors working together to build a better future.
In 1989, our founder President George H.W. Bush signed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission Extension Act, accompanied by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. In honoring Dr. King’s legacy each year on MLK Day, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made, and re-commit ourselves to the work that remains as we strive for a more just society.
Monday, Jan. 16, 2023
Honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving your community
Ways to Get Involved
On MLK Day, millions of Americans honor Dr. King's legacy by coming together for a national day of service and dialogue. Make it a day on, not a day off. Find or host an MLK Day opportunity near you.
Search for Volunteer Opportunities
Not sure where to start? There are thousands of service opportunities waiting for volunteers across the country. Search our database, Points of Light Engage, for volunteer opportunities inside and outside of the home that meet critical needs.
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Listen. Learn. Act to End Racism
Points of Light's Listen. Learn. Act to End Racism initiative, in partnership with Morehouse College, brings curated conversations designed to inform and empower individuals to use their influence to fight system racism.
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Nominate a Daily Point of Light
Every day, people in communities around the country use their time, talent and treasures to advocate for causes they care about and strengthen the communities where they live. Nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award.
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Learn & Deepen Engagement
Points of Light's Civic Life Today magazine provides deep dives into each area of our Civic Circle - including critical elements like using your voice, and listening and learning. Read more about ways to make your work more impactful.
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DIY Projects for Youth & Families
Even with young children, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have meaningful conversations and volunteer moments. Use our DIY guides to find the project that's right for your family.
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Spread the Word
Use the AmeriCorps toolkit for social media content and graphics, press kits and more to spread the word and encourage others to serve on MLK Day.
Learn MoreJoin our Listen. Learn. Act to End Racism Conversation
On Jan. 13, join us in conversation with Wil Haygood, acclaimed biographer, Pulitzer finalist, award-winning author and reporter, and Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., New York Times bestselling author and chair of Princeton’s Department of African American Studies. They’ll discuss storytelling as a powerful vehicle to advance social justice, and how a storied past continues to shape our national identity and common values. When used to advance social justice, stories, both fact and fiction, enable us to imagine the world in a different way.
Find a Points of Light Global Network Affiliate
Join an #MLKDay service project in your community with a local volunteer action center near you.
Learning from Our Own History
“Change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it” - President Barack Obama. Local community building can change the world. Watch #ObamaHBO: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union, to learn more about how President Obama’s commitment to community can inspire us all.
