Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist and a leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. On January 16th, MLK Day of Service 2012, millions will come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. Miley Cyrus and her friends at Youth Service America have 10 ways to Get Ur Good On for MLK Day, and throughout January. Get started!
- Create a service-focused New Year’s resolution to honor Dr. King’s commitment to serving others. Volunteer at least once a month, sponsor a kid in a developing nation, host a coat drive, or tutor at an after school program. Write the resolution on a piece of paper and post it somewhere visible to see everyday.
- Dr. King often spoke about practicing peace, love, and nonviolence as a means to build a “beloved community.” Share a message of peace in an anti-bullying PSA or music video. Need examples? Amy Poehler, Jessie J, Shailene Woodley, and Bella Throne have all shared great messages.
- Dr. King’s messages of equality and justice continue to impact our lives today; it’s your turn to share your impact on communities. Enter the Huffington Post TEEN IMPACT contest. Had an amazing volunteering experience? Made a real difference in a disadvantaged community? Share what you’ve done to possibly win $1,000 donated to a charity of your choice, plus a trip to New York for a special screening of Drew Barrymore’s new film Big Miracle.
- Help the 2011 MLK Day Ambassadors of Service Monique Coleman, Chris Draft, Tatyana Ali, Seth Goldman, and others encourage people to serve on MLK Day. Post on Facebook, tweet, share on Tumblr, or create a video on YouTube explaining the importance of serving others.
- Dr. King focused on improving lives of people living in poverty. Participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring and collect money or canned goods for deserving people until February 5th.
- Read MLK’s I Have a Dream speech. Create a YouTube video or write a blog post sharing a dream for your community.
- Plan a service project and invite friends to join! Bake cookies for a senior citizens home, organize a book drive, or pick up trash in your neighborhood. No project is too small! Find project planning help on the MLK Day of Service website. Share pictures and videos on GetUrGoodOn.org like member Laura did.
- Aspiring news reporter? Interview community members (parents, teachers, neighbors) to learn more about MLK. How did he impact their lives? Write a blog post or film the interview and share on GetUrGoodOn.org.
- To honor Dr. King’s work for equality; learn about the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and what your state is doing to enforce it. Visit the Human Rights Campaign website for information about advocating for stricter enforcement of the act in your state.
- Upload a favorite picture of a peace sign to Facebook or Twitter and include a quote or lyric about peace.
