How national service brings MLK’s philosophies into the 21st century

While most of the country takes a day off of work to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18, AmeriCorps members make it a “day on” by performing direct service work in their communities.

More than 250 AmeriCorps members serving with Reading Partners across the country will be participating in service projects on MLK Day. Projects include beautifying schools, participating in local marches, sorting donations at food banks, and serving meals to the homeless.

The modern day national service movement, led by CNCS and AmeriCorps, is highly focused on providing all Americans with equal rights and opportunities, much in the same vain as MLK’s work during the civil rights movement. AmeriCorps programs embody MLK’s ideologies in the fight for the underprivileged citizens of this country.

Learn how national service is bringing MLK’s philosophies into the 21st century.

Find a cause you care about

“If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”

AmeriCorps members are passionate about their work. Whether it’s education, the environment, food security, or many other focus areas, they want to make a difference for people experiencing hardship. They live and work in the communities that need help the most.

Work to address that cause

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

Every day for the duration of their term, AmeriCorps members go to work to address a specific challenge in their community. They possess a fierce work ethic and passion for making a difference that keeps them motivated to continue their service. They are making an impact every day that they serve, helping to move communities forward and create lasting and meaningful change.

Commit your time to serving your community

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the struggle for equal rights.”

By dedicating at least a year to national service, members are demonstrating their commitment to changing the world. At the start of their term, AmeriCorps members take the AmeriCorps Pledge, vowing to get things done for America. For a lot of members, their year of national service is just the beginning of a career in service-minded organizations that carry out the mission of doing good in communities.

Create a lasting impact

“True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”

AmeriCorps members do not simply provide short-term fixes for communities. They work at the foundation of the problem, developing long-lasting processes and resources that will help communities rebuild. They focus on the heart of the challenge, and work to create change through community-driven solutions. By identifying and concentrating on the source of the problem, AmeriCorps members help communities move forward with sustainable solutions.

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Do you posses the passion and work ethic that MLK did? Then AmeriCorps at Reading Partners might be your next step! #ServeAYear with Reading Partners and make an impact on children who are struggling with reading. Learn more about our 2016-17 AmeriCorps opportunities, and apply today!

Reading Partners AmeriCorps members get things done, and are critical to our success as an organization. AmeriCorps offers an amazing chance to give back, and as a member, you’ll receive a great place to serve, professional development opportunities, and a chance to springboard your career in education or nonprofit. AmeriCorps members are ambassadors for service, demonstrate a passion for education, and strongly believe in our vision and values. Together, we can make a difference!