Next Monday, Jan. 21, our nation will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. For some of us, MLK Day of Service means a welcome day off from school or work. As the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service, MLK Day also offers ample opportunities to support our communities.
My family will volunteer in our community on Monday to help in a small way, but also to reflect on the spirit of why Dr. King was so impassioned to make our towns, cities and nation better for all. We’ll spend time with our sons to make sure they understand the significance of what the day is all about and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. I encourage you to engage in some way on Monday as well.
This day is also an important one for Club members. Studies show kids who are involved in civic engagement programs have higher school attendance rates and are more likely to graduate from high school than their peers who don’t participate. That’s why we make sure community service is a vital part of every young person’s Club Experience. Last year, for instance, Club youth throughout the nation performed more than 1.3 million hours of service to help strengthen their towns and cities.
On Monday, Club kids around the country will follow in Dr. King’s footsteps and set inspiring examples of character and citizenship. They will clean up neighborhoods, spend time with senior citizens and give back to their communities in many other ways to make the world a better place.
Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.” Those simple, influential words ring just as true today. So reach out to your local Club or community service group and join Club youth to make a difference on Jan. 21. Let’s all commit to honoring Dr. King’s legacy and make next Monday a day on, not just a day off.
