Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once remarked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" So it seems only natural that when Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994 to honor the life of one of America's most influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, that service would be a large part of it.
CAPS invites you to consider celebrating with a “day on” instead of a “day off” on Monday, January 16. There are numerous ways to get involved and the sites below can help you find a project close to home in which you and your children can participate:
United We Serve (Corporation for National and Community Service) -- you can find a project here or register one you’re planning so that others can volunteer too.
17th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service -- In 2011, this was the largest King Day event in the nation with more than 75,000 volunteers serving in 1200 projects.
All for Good - Provides a forum for Americans to discover all the different ways that they can help to strengthen their communities, including, but not limited to, conventional notions of volunteering.
You may also want to visit the National Constitution Center where there will be a variety of programs including service projects, dramatic performances, an opera, and crafts activities, all free with admission to the museum.
Additionally, consider expanding your knowledge about Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement by checking out the Huffington Post’s reading recommendations for adults. Books for children of various ages can be found at Apples4theteacher and Flashlight Worthy which provides reviews, grade level recommendations, ISBN numbers, and indicates that you can find their selections at the local public or school library.
