National Day of Service

The law signed in 1983 marks the birthday of Father Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a federal holiday. In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. is designated as a Federal Day by Congress. National Day of Service is a national day and puts the blame on the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency leading service and volunteering, to spearhead the effort. Each year, on the third Monday in January, MLK Service Day is considered an "entry day, not a day off". MLK Day of Service aims to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems and bring us closer to Dr. about a "Beloved Community".

National Service Day inspires hundreds of thousands of Americans to come together to serve their communities. Citizens in all 50 states provide meals, refurbish schools and community centers, and collect food and clothing. Volunteers also recruit mentors, assist job seekers, build homes and provide other services to veterans and military families, and help citizens improve their financial literacy skills. National leaders including members of parliament, governors and mayors pay homage to Dr. King's legacy by addressing pressing community needs.

After a long struggle, the law was signed in 1983 to mark Dr. King's birthday as a federal holiday. Americans first observed the holiday in 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday a National Day of Service and asked AmeriCorps to lead the effort. Taking place every third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service is the only federal holiday that is considered a national business day - an "entry day, not a holiday." This day of service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, addresses societal issues, and brings us closer to Dr. love".

Dr. King recognized the power of service. He famously said, "Everybody can be great because everyone can serve." Observe the federal holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. through service is a way to start each year with a commitment to making your community a better place. Your service honors Dr. King's life and teachings to meet community challenges. The service also brings people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities together. MLK Service Day encourages all types of services, especially projects with long-term impact, and connects participants to ongoing service. The most successful projects connect with Dr. King's life and teaching, respond to pressing community needs, and include time to reflect on his teachings.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said that "Everybody can be great because everyone can serve." Use our Find Volunteer Opportunities search to find opportunities in your community! Or, on MLK Service Day, find an organization that interests you and commits to serving all year.