Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – Third Monday of January
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”
Observed annually on the third Monday in January, this is a day of service utilized to celebrate and continue realizing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort to encourage service. See here for more information –> http://www.mlkday.gov/
Public Service Day – June 23
The United Nations’ Public Service Day is held on June 23 each year. It recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service. The day aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community.
Nelson Mandela Day – July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day, also known as Mandela Day, is held on July 18 each year. The day remembers Mandela’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela Day not only celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life, but it is also a global call to action for people to recognize their ability to have a positive effect on others around them. The day hopes to inspire people to embrace the values that Mandela shared. These values include democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect.
Many people and organizations around the world take part in many activities to promote Nelson Mandela Day. These activities include volunteering, sport, art, education, music and culture.
Make Difference Day – Fourth Saturday of October
October 23, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of “Make A Difference Day,” a day of community service in the USA. Held annually the fourth Saturday of October, Make A Difference Day is supported by USA WEEKEND and HandsOn Network, a business unit of Points of Light Institute.
World Philosophy Day – Third Thursday of November
World Philosophy Day is annually observed on the third Thursday of November to honor philosophical reflections around the world. It is a day for people to share thoughts, openly explore and discuss new ideas and inspire public debate or discussion on society’s challenges.
Ten Ways to Make a Difference
1. Tutor a child or an adult.
2. Be a mentor
3. Get involved in a Big Brother/Big Sister Program
4. Create a game night at a teen center.
5. Support a local after-school program.
6. Share what you know – offer to do a one-time or ongoing course for local students in drama, cooking, philosophy of hip hop— whatever you’re good at!
7. Create a homework support program at a local homeless shelter for the children that may be there.
8. Collect and distribute school supplies for a school or shelter.
9. Be a reader in a local classroom.
10. Help set up a library nook at a local barbershop.