
Today, January 20, 2025, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the most impactful statesman for civil rights and peace in this country. This day coincides with the Inauguration of our country’s next President.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, “A day on, not off.” As moms, we concern ourselves with managing our homes so that our family gets what they need and our homes are stocked with resources to facilitate those needs (and wants). But we also need to concern ourselves with our neighborhoods and our broader community. Dr. King knew this, stating as much in a 1957 sermon entitled “Three Dimensions of a Complete Life” that:
“In a sense every day is judgment day, and we, through our deeds and words, our
silence and speech, are constantly writing in the Book of Life. Light has come into the
world, and every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism
or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life’s most persistent
and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
These words resonate, especially today.
So in moving forward in 2025, we know that we will continue to make our homes places of comfort for our families. But we also need to continue to extend our energy and talents toward the betterment of our community. This matters. Why? Because our community is where our youth gain their confidence, build relationships, and develop intellectually, socially and emotionally.
For our youth, schools are an important part of that effort. Schools are critical for supporting youth and families; they serve as sources of academic challenge and physical activity, which contribute to the social and mental health of our kids. But let's not forget that our youth can contribute significantly to the needs of the broader community. With a little research, most youth can find ways to become connected to their communities through volunteer work. Despite the academic and sports-related demands of most kids, it can be the few hours of volunteer engagement where our youth are most needed and abundantly fulfilled. Youth.gov reports the benefits of volunteering:
Youth who volunteer are more likely to feel connected to their communities, do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior.
Youth are not only more likely to volunteer if their entire family is involved in the effort, but the shared experience can result in strengthened familial bonds.
According to a study, students who performed voluntary community service were 19% more likely to graduate from college than those who did not.
Another study found that volunteering was associated with 27% higher odds of employment.
So, as we pledge to 'do for others" as Dr. King advised over 60 years ago, let's craft a "day on" for our kids, but not just on MLK Day. Let's make it a regular part of their schedules. Volunteering can happen in a range of contexts: distributing food and supplies to needy families; contributing to the construction of homes; planting trees; cleaning parks and beaches; tutoring; political and issue-based advocacy; and facilitating art and physical activity programs for younger kids. Volunteer work is good for our youth, good for our families, good for our communities, and good for our nation. Let's sustain ourselves and our youth by doing good for others.
Lisa and Glenda
2 Black Moms & A Mic
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