On the Eve of #MLKDay 2018 W-End

We are honored to showcase this guidance from the Corporation for National Service as we join all in Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout our key properties:

What Are You Doing for Others on MLK Day? In his sermon on the “Drum Major Instinct” nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. guided the congregation of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on a journey that urged them to channel their ambitions through acts of service and love. Earlier in those remarks, Dr. King offered a scripture-based take on the idea of greatness that probably seems antithetical to the way many see it today.  “If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”  Those words – “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve” – guide the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as we lead the nation’s volunteer efforts during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. (You can read President Trump's proclamation for MLK Day here.) Since 1994, CNCS has been directed by Congress to guide efforts that emphasize volunteering and service on the MLK Day holiday to improve our nation’s communities.  We like to call it “a day on, not a day off.” Noting that he didn’t want to be known for his academic credentials or awards that he received, Dr. King said he would like to be remembered as someone who “tried to give his life serving others,” as one who worked to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the imprisoned.  There are numerous challenges, like those Dr. King referenced, that can be improved through the actions of engaged and active citizens. Through service and volunteering, we can strengthen communities by serving in our schools, preserving and protecting our national parks and public facilities, increasing financial literacy, building and repairing homes, and supporting our veterans and military families.  We are inspired by Dr. King’s life, which focused on serving others in a multitude of ways that, ultimately, helped change the course of our nation. And we hope that you make service and volunteering a part of your life on MLK Day – and all year long. To discover MLK Day events and projects in your community, visit MLKDay.gov.  In Service,  CNCS Office of External Affairs

The Impact of National Service Exploring Dr. King's Legacy before National Day of Service  The Corporation for National and Community Service is proud to lead service and volunteering efforts on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We created this short video that looks back to explore the legacy of Dr. King and the MLK Day of Service. Read More