MLK Jr. Day of Service January 15th, 2018
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community." Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live—creating the Beloved Community. The MLK Jr. Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.
Event Itinerary and Registration
Itinerary
8:00am to 8:30am - Registration*
8:30 to 9:00 - Orientation
9:00 to 1:30 - Service (on- and off-campus)
1:30 to 3:00 - Lunch & Reflection
*Please arrive early to check-in. Continental breakfast will be available.
On-Campus Service
On campus service will be structured as follows:
- 9:00 - 10:30 Viewing of documentary Poverty Inc.
- 10:30 to 11:00 Documentary discussion and debrief
- 11:00 to 11:30 Overview of service activities
- 11:30 to 1:30 Literacy kit and hygiene kit assembling
Poverty Inc.
All On-Campus Volunteers will will be joining us to view a screening of Poverty Inc. to discuss the reality of global aid and service in our own communities
Literacy Kits
Community Outreach has teamed up with United Way to offer a MLK Day of Service here on campus. We hope you will join us in helping to engage children in learning by creating United Way Literacy Kits. United Way Literacy Kits deepen children’s reading experience and help them build their libraries at home. Volunteers will be creating arts and crafts to design props, games, or other activities to make reading more interactive and enjoyable for everyone. While creating these kits you will be educated on the importance of the task, and make a meaningful difference in the community.
Hygiene Kits
Help organize and prep hygiene materials that will be donated to Willimantic's No Freeze Shleter.
Off-Campus Service
Mansfield Discovery Depot
For this event participants will work with Mansfield Discovery Depot to clean up their indoor and outdoor play space. This includes activities such as dusting, window washing, shoveling, etc. To register for this event please click here
Covenant Soup Kitchen
Participants will assist with preparing and serving bagged lunches. Additionally, participants will sort donations, stocking shelves, cleaning, organizing, and shoveling. Participants are asked to wear close-toed shoes, dress comfortably, and tie hair back or wear a hat. To register for the event, please click here.
WAIM
Participants will assist with service at Windham Area Interfaith Ministries by helping to sort donations and clean up the area. To register for this event please click here.
Mansfield Area Conference of Churches
Participants will help the chefs prepare, cook, and serve a lunch meal. They will also assist with post-meal clean-up. To register for this event please click here
Windham Heights Community Center
Participants will spend time assisting children with educational and recreational activities. To register for this event please click here
Service to and within our communities is crucial to beginning to understand the importance of service and the needs of others. Community Outreach is proud to partner with a variety of community partners to assist our communities.
Register for off-campus service with one of our community partners using the links to the left!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Speaker
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in welcoming Anita Hill, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Speaker. Anita Hill is an attorney and academic. Hill is a University professor of social policy, law, and women's studies. Her speech will take place on Thursday, January 18th at 1:00pm in the Jorgenson Auditorium.
If you require accommodations to participate in any service programs, please contact Sara Cook at sara.cook@uconn.edu.
Resources & Related Events:
