Seasons of Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ~ All Year Long

What better way to beat the Holiday Gimmees and observe Red Letter Days than to practice good deeds? Here's a way to discover the true meaning of holidays and heroes. Please join us in celebrating the following Season of Service.

The third Monday in January. How can students and teachers make this a day to learn and serve Dr. King's beloved community? Start learning about Dr. King and his legacy of non-violence long before his birthday. Practice what he preached long after the holiday. Here are some ways to follow the nation's Drum Major of Justice, Peace and Righteousness all year long:

Chronicle his Contributions Create a Web Page Time Line of Dr. King's life. Email that and one of his peace messages to student pen pals in another country. Urge them to pass it on.

 

Read-In Invite the entire school to drop everything and read about Dr. King. Make sure older students read to younger non-readers.

 

Share the Legacy Arrange a visit to a Senior or Veterans Center. Record residents' memories of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. If a visit is impossible, interview grandparents or school staff. Publish results in school and local newspapers.

 

Praise his Phrases Research Dr. King's speeches. Agree that each student begins class with favorite excerpts. Provide time to reflect. Share oral or written PSA's at school and home.

 

Keep his Memory Green Choose a tree symbolizing Dr. King's message of brotherhood. Invite community members to participate in a tree planting tribute when weather permits.

 

Recall his Places Identify, visit, and document local streets, parks, schools, and memorials dedicated to Dr. King. Display poems and photographs of sites in a library. No area dedicated to Dr. King? Lobby for an appropriate choice.

 

Support the Man, the Movement and the Message Learn about the future site of the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Organize a schoolwide bake or rummage sale. Contribute proceeds to the Foundation.

 

Lift Every Voice Rehearse a selection of Dr. King's favorite hymns. Invite young and old to join in a Community Sing Along at a Neighborhood Center.

 

More Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn & Serve Web Sites

Thanks to Vera Johnson for her insights and ideas for this Season of Service page.
Thanks to Davis Dillon & Gigi Eacmen, of the Roland Hayes Division of Music for sharing the above photo.

Email your service learning ideas to IMPACT II @ High School Renewal