Please consider spending Monday January 19th as a “Day On, Not a Day Off” by getting involved with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Projects have been organized throughout the State – and we want all New Yorkers to be involved! You or your organizations can join in or create your own project, using tools from www.mlkday.gov.

Projects have been developed by AmeriCorps and other national service programs, as well as many local organizations in your community. The goal of the day is to enable local volunteers to meet tangible needs, such as fixing up schools or senior centers, or to meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems.

"We hope that AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America participants and all New Yorkers help us in their communities, and serve alongside people of all ages and backgrounds, not just on MLK Day, but everyday," said Susan Stern, Chair of Governor Paterson’s Commission on National & Community Service. "The best way for young people to learn about Dr. King's legacy is to get involved."

Dr. King’s legacy is one of eternal hope, as he lived his life in service to others - service that strengthened communities, empowered individuals, and bridged barriers. During his lifetime, Dr. King worked tirelessly toward a dream of equality. He 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.

“Dr. King once said, ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.’ I urge you to be great today and every day by volunteering to meet the needs of our communities. Through service we can strengthen families, protect communities, and build a brighter future for our State,” said Mark Walter, Executive Director of the New York State Office of National & Community Service.

Please join us on January 19 and throughout the year to honor Dr. King through service. You’ll find opportunities to serve your community by clicking below or visiting www.mlkday.gov.