Wednesday, January 16, 2013

MLK DAY: A Day On, Not Off



By Maranda Ward



That blur you just witnessed was the Christmas break rolling by on skates. If you're anything like me, you have scrolled through your phone searching for the next three day weekend. Ah-ha, January 21st is a day off and it just so happens to be a two for one. Not only is this day of historical relevance because it marks the 84th birthday and life celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it also doubles as the Inauguration of President Barack Obama for his second, and final, term. A lot of people are going to brave the cold temperatures to get an up close glimpse of the President swearing in (again) on the steps of the Capitol.  But more than this amazing event, people are going to be finding ways to give back to their communities. 

This year Saturday January 19th, has been officially recognized as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service. The MLK Day of Service is a part of a larger initiative called United We Serve, which is the President's nationwide call for community service.  This initiative seeks to address the big issues that plague our communities, issues such as homelessness, poverty and illiteracy. I know what you are thinking…I am just a teen how can I help and why should I help?

Well the answer is you are never too young to give back to others and lend a helping hand.  Thousands of other young people across the country have decided to give up an afternoon of hanging out with friends at the mall or catching the latest Kevin Hart film, and are rolling up their sleeves to help someone else. 

Let January 19th be your way to jump start a year-long commitment to service. Look, you have to do community service in order to graduate so pick something you like and you may find out that helping out others actually feels good.  You may actually want to continue the commitment beyond your requirement. 

Giving back is how President Barack Obama and Dr. King started out and it is something everyone should be passionate about.  Civic engagement must start somewhere. It starts with an interest...your interest. Volunteering in your community is great. Developing and implementing a service-learning project is even better.

People young and old, all across the nation have logged on to www.mlkday.gov to find a project to help out with. There is still time for you to join in too.  You can do something big or small; it does not matter, just as long as you do something for someone else.  So, why not clean your closet and bring those clothes you have pushed to the back of it to the Salvation Army? Or grab a group of friends and volunteer to help clean up a park or run errands for an elderly person who can’t get to the store. Like Dr. King once, said, “Life's most urgent and persistent question is: what are you doing for others?”  

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