Written by: Hillary Ladig, Communications Coordinator, National Safe Place Network
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day), a time to commemorate Dr. King's vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. On MLK Day, Americans of every age and background will unite in a day of service as a way to transform Dr. King's life and teachings into community action that helps resolve social problems.
More than 20 years ago, the U.S. Congress designated MLK Day, the third Monday in January, as a national day of service. MLK Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service, making it a "day on, not a day off." As it states on the www.nationalservice.gov website:
"The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a 'Beloved Community."
To learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, click here: http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/MLK%20Day%202016%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
To find a place to serve on MLK Day, please visit: http://www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday
As Dr. King famously and selflessly stated, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Take time today and throughout the year to serve others. It will make all the difference.