The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his adult life to the advancement of civil rights and one of the movement's most prominent leaders, he always asked one major thing of the world: "What are you doing for others?"

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination. MLK Day, which is recognized as a national day, showcases an opportunity to give back. MLK has been designated as a Day of Service by Congress in 1994, boasting the motto, "a day on, not a day off." If you don't know where to start, we're here to help! There are a myriad of volunteer opportunities across the country and we want to give them some shine.

1. THE DREAM’S ALIVE – DREAMERS RISE

Hosted by: Abraham Lincoln High School, Los Angeles, CA

In an effort to provide children with a more inspiring environment to learn in, volunteers can transform the campus by painting murals and school buildings as well as rehabilitating/expanding the campus gardens.

2. CITY YEAR CHICAGO

Hosted by: Gale Community Academy, Chicago, IL

Volunteers will have the ability to transform Gale Community Academy with mural painting and light construction projects in an effort to reconnect, transform, uplift, and inspire the students, staff, and community.

3. THE MICHIGAN COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMISSION (MCSC) AND MICHIGAN NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION (MNA)

Hosted by: Boys and Girls Club of Alpena, Sisters Who Are Powerful, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, etc., various Michigan cities

MCSC and MNA are partnering with 27 volunteer projects across Michigan. “We want to support Michigan residents in serving in the spirit of Martin Luther King,” said MCSC executive director Ginna Holmes. “We encourage everyone to join together in this National Day of Service and volunteer to make a difference in their community.”

For volunteer opportunities in Kalamazoo, MI, visit here!

4. National Park Service

Hosted by: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CA

Volunteers will get to help keep their neighborhood national park beautiful as well as help the environment via litter pick-up and clearing vegetation. Other Bay Area volunteer opportunities are listed here.

5. MLK DAY OF SERVICE W/ MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER

Hosted by: Franklin D. Reeves Center, Washington, D.C.

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and help assist the blanket and toiletries drive! Multiple shifts are available.

6. MINOR PARKWAY CLEAN-UP

Hosted by: Western Jefferson County (Bessemer, Fairfield, Midfield), Alabama

Volunteers are needed to help make Minor Parkway beautiful by participating in a clean-up in the Birmingham area.

7. VOLUNTEER AT THE BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Hosted by: Brooklyn Children's Museum, Crown Heights, NY

There will be a bunch of activities going on during the holiday and the museum can use an extra set of hands such as helping kids with art projects and learn more about civil rights.

You can find general volunteer opportunities for your own zip code at NationalService.gov! Let's continue to make MLK's dream a reality!

Photo: GIPHY

Day of Service

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