Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, which designated the third Monday in January a federal holiday to honor Dr. King's legacy. The holiday is intended to be a national day of service, where Americans are encouraged to volunteer in their communities.
Just yesterday Characters of Character had the opportunity to work with students who were dedicating their time for service to a nonprofit. What a wonderful experience to meet such giving students and learn about their journey. I learned about their journey because I am nosey and asked questions! We had great conversations and a lot of laughs. I made sure to let them know that they are SUPER individuals and to follow their dreams and embrace their accomplishments. There were students going into the creative industry, medical field, administration, computer science and even a pediatric surgeon. I was beyond impressed with these young adults and their passion for not only what they are working towards, but to help others, a day of service. As I handed out magnets with a Superhero of one of the characters to each student, I said, “YOU are SUPER” and YOU are SUPER, and so on, one student stood up and laughed, she said; “I feel like I’m on Oprah” you get the picture! I shared how proud I am of each one of them and wished them nothing but success as they work hard for their dreams.
Years ago when I taught preschool and worked in an elementary school, we read books about Martin Luther King Jr. and talked about what dreams are made of. We did activities to engage the students in conversations about being of service to others. My husband and I even visited the exact spot where Martin Luther King Jr. stood when he was shot. Yet, somehow yesterday effected me even greater than the past. As MLK Day of Service was held at Meharry Medical College, there were actually seven other colleges who participated in the event. The event was very well put together and I was so impressed, I know the time that goes into this. Because Characters of Character NFP is in partnership with Belmont University and their students, we were invited to participate and I am so glad that we did. Rev. Keller was my point of contact for this and she is amazing. While I arrived early and didn’t have a whole lot to set up, she offered me to go to the conference room and listen to the speaker. Unfortunately I did not catch his name, but, man, did he give a great speech.
He talked to the students sharing that their generation can be the change. He spoke on the importance of being of service to others. He spoke on the fact that they are going to college and the wonderful opportunity they have to do good. He just touched on so many important topics and truly engaged the students and really touched my heart. Our activity was quite simple for the students, mindless really, but the time they they volunteered to help us out is priceless. These students signed our greeting cards that go into each one of the Superhero character building activity boxes which we donate to Children’s Hospitals. It is time consuming on our end, and so very much appreciated that they took time out of their day to help with this. Cards signed, sticker included, placed in an envelope! Perfect! The best part for me was the conversations we had and the smiles that somehow I was able to put on their faces during them. I simply shared stories about some places we have been with the characters, the impact that they have on children and their family, the simplicity in teaching these vital core values and how engaging a conversation could be. One could learn a lot when engaged in a conversation with good intentions.
I mean c’mon now, look at those smiles! I gifted each student a composition notebook which they got to choose from all nine characters, a thank you card and lots of Hershey kisses! To be part of this day was simply wonderful and heartfelt, a great group of students that brought a lot of happiness to me and I’m certain that they enjoyed the company, too.
So, how can you engage your students, children and youth in the importance of being of service to the community?
Start a Service Project
If there’s a cause you’re passionate about, now’s the time to get involved! You can do a canned food drive for a local pantry, a coat drive if you live in a cold climate, or sign Valentines Day cards to give to a retirement community.Clean Up Your Neighborhood
One simple way to give back is by cleaning up the community. For our children and youth you can begin at the school and parks.Send a Card to a Frontline Worker
You may have to research for locations
Become a mentor to a student or youth
Donate to a charity
Not everyone has time to dedicate to service this time of year and a financial donation is worthy.
While it’s important to teach our children at a young age the importance of service, it is never to late to show them. Remember, you are their role model. While some of us may volunteer only on this day, others may volunteer during the year. Both are great! It’s important to model for your children and family the importance of building community. That while we all look different, we really are the same. My first book and only through a publishing house is called, “Will You Be My Friend, we really are no different” is on Amazon.
As I taught preschool one of the activities that we did as a group was a food drive. The students brought in items which we would later donate to the local food pantry. Our character Warm-Hearted Walrus helped with this and the children learned that not everyone has food on their table or in their pantry and how they could help those less fortunate. We also did a coat drive with Behavior Bear and donated winter clothing to a local school in need. These are simple ways to be of service in a community and empowered our children and engaged them to truly internalize and understand what it means to be of service. When we all do a little, it means a lot.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Martin Luther King Jr.