Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Each year on MLK Day, youth are encouraged to join YVCKC in volunteering their time and service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his vision of unity and social justice. Youth Volunteers are encouraged by the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Corporation for National and Community Service to make the holiday "a day on, not a day off," by committing themselves to furthering King's legacy of civil action and volunteerism.
MLK Day of Service 2012
Thanks to all who helped make MLK Day of Service 2012 great! On Monday, Jan. 16, more than 80 youth turned out for MLK Day of Service projects, contributing over 225 collective service hours to nonprofit agencies all over the Greater Kansas City area. Check out our News page to see YVCKC youth featured in local newspapers and television broadcasts. For pictures and video from some of our seven MLK Day of Service projects, visit our Flickr stream and our blog, Youth Speak Up!
MLK Day of Service 2012
Thanks to all who helped make MLK Day of Service 2012 great! On Monday, Jan. 16, more than 80 youth turned out for MLK Day of Service projects, contributing over 225 collective service hours to nonprofit agencies all over the Greater Kansas City area. Check out our News page to see YVCKC youth featured in local newspapers and television broadcasts. For pictures and video from some of our seven MLK Day of Service projects, visit our Flickr stream and our blog, Youth Speak Up!
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Why MLK Day?
During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worked tirelessly toward a dream of equality. He believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolent resistance to help make this country a better place to live, developing what King called the "Beloved Community." The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. King's life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community of mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that: |
• Strengthen Communities
Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up their neighbors and communities through service.
• Empower Individuals
Dr. King believed each individual possessed the power to lift himself or herself up no matter what his or her circumstances—rich or poor, black or white, male or female. Whether teaching literacy skills, helping an older adult learn to surf the Web, or helping an individual build the skills they need to acquire a job, acts of service can help others improve their own lives while doing so much for those who serve.
• Overcome Barriers
In his fight for civil rights, Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond themselves, look past differences, and work toward equality. Serving side-by-side, community service tears down the barriers of difference between people and teaches us that in the end, we are more alike than we might realize.
Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up their neighbors and communities through service.
• Empower Individuals
Dr. King believed each individual possessed the power to lift himself or herself up no matter what his or her circumstances—rich or poor, black or white, male or female. Whether teaching literacy skills, helping an older adult learn to surf the Web, or helping an individual build the skills they need to acquire a job, acts of service can help others improve their own lives while doing so much for those who serve.
• Overcome Barriers
In his fight for civil rights, Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond themselves, look past differences, and work toward equality. Serving side-by-side, community service tears down the barriers of difference between people and teaches us that in the end, we are more alike than we might realize.
These ideas of unity, purpose, and the value of working together for a common goal are just some of the many reason YVCKC honors Dr. King's legacy through service on this special holiday.
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