President Obama has called for a National Day of Service to kick off the inauguration ceremonies and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a whole holiday weekend of service.
On Sat. Jan, 19, Obama is urging people nationwide to channel the spirit of King, who famously said "Life's most persistent and urgent question: What are you doing for others?", and take part in the National Day of Service. The official Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is Mon., Jan. 21.
Across the nation, people will come together to better their communities. From packing meals for the elderly to refurbishing homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy to assembling care packages for troops overseas -- there will be service projects in all 50 states serving local communities, according to a recent statement.
Chelsea Clinton, who is headlining the inauguration-kickoff service event, says she sees promise for commitments beyond this upcoming weekend.
“If everyone who pitches in this weekend keeps up that commitment throughout the year, think about how much good we can all do,” Clinton writes in a post for CNN. “Lots of small acts add up to big change.”
And we want you to share your plans at HuffPost Impact! We will be making a slideshow of tweets and photos that represent good works, kind acts and generous commitments from all 50 states.
To submit, Tweet a pic using the hashtag #MLKDayImpact and your state. Example: @HuffpostImpact Serving at a homeless shelter. -Sarah, Idaho #MLKImpact.
See ideas for service below:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
The official site for the annual MLK National Day of Service on Jan. 21 provides a host of ways to get involved. A search tool allows participants to find projects in their area, statewide initiatives and even virtual opportunities. There's also toolkits to start a project and recruit volunteers. Learn more here.
Inauguration National Day of Service
Participants can search for Jan 19. events in their area in categories such as health, education, environment, veterans and more. The site also invites participants to the National Day of Service Fair at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where service organizations will showcase ways to serve local communities. Learn more here.
Points of Light
Points of Light volunteer organization is encouraging volunteers to host Sunday suppers and offers resources for volunteers to host their own service projects like school supply drives, care packages for vets or volunteering at local food banks. Learn more here.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America, a national service organization, has unique ways to help nationwide, such as providing a birthday for a homeless child, empowering vulnerable populations like the nation's homeless and elderly. With 35 offices across the country, the organization reaches thousands of local communities. Learn more here.
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