Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Honors 25 Years!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

January 17, 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. 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.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vital figure of the modern era and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world.

Dr. King 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 nonviolence to make this country a better place to live—creating the Beloved Community.

On the 25th anniversary of the King Federal Holiday, we still have work to do to realize Dr. King’s dream.  MLK Day of Service is the perfect time for Americans to answer Dr. King’s challenge to do something for others.  Just as Dr. King set big goals and focused relentlessly on results, we need sustained citizen action to address today’s social challenges. 

The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects. The estimated dollar value for one volunteer hour is $16.69 statewide and $20.85 nationally. Iowa’s value of volunteering adds up to $2.28 billion.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will be working with the UNI Student Leadership Center for MLK Day. UNI students will be a working on a massive service effort with an involvement goal of 80 students. MLK Day of Service is on Monday, January 17 and students will be partnering with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Catholic Worker House, Hospitality House and Grout Museum District in this effort. Lunch and transportation will be provided.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley represents over 50 nonprofit agencies with over 160 volunteer opportunities. Individuals interested in participating in MLK Day should contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087 or Lauren_Finke@vccv.org.