Looming on the horizon is Blue Monday, which this year falls on Jan. 19. Supposedly it is the most depressing day on the calendar. But in 2009, I think it has the potential to be the most uplifting day, because it is the date the country celebrates the 80th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth, and the eve of the presidential inauguration.
Far from being a downer of a day, that is the best combination possible: a fresh start with loads of hope and inspiration! President-elect Obama agrees with me. Even though he hasn’t actually Twittered, or written on the Tonic Facebook wall (yet) I can just tell. He called for a national day of service in observance of MLK Day, and along with Michelle, Malia, Sasha — plus their buddies, the Bidens — he will spend the day as a volunteer the in the D.C. area.
The idea of honoring Dr. King with a day of volunteering started back in 1994, when President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act. It exhorts Americans to use the traditional day off from work to get involved with their communities, rather than as an opportunity to sleep in. Since 1994 the idea has blossomed, with King Day of Service initiatives sprouting across the country.
Last year, Philadelphia held the largest King Day of Service event ever, with 60,000 volunteers participating in almost 600 local programs. Nonprofit group Global Citizen leads that Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service, and it is building on the amazing community spirit shown in 2008 with the launch of MLK 365. Through the new initiative, the King Day of Service will become a year-round program, promoting “sustainable civic engagement and volunteer opportunities.”
In the same spirit, President-elect Obama is calling on citizens to make community involvement and volunteering a part of their routine, rather than a special, but rare, event. As he reminded us a few times, the economic — and spiritual — recovery of the country in is our hands, and it’s going to be work. But rewarding work, that pays long-term dividends in the shape of prosperity and self-respect.
Your active and personal contributions to local causes is one of the best ways to engage in this work. This personal commitment to making the change is at the heart of many of Dr. King’s teachings, which makes it perfect to honor him in this way. At the official Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service site, you can learn more about Dr. King, as well as find opportunities to volunteer and information that will galvanize you to make Jan. 19 “a day ON, not off!”
If you’re excited to volunteer today, tomorrow and all through the year, the terrific Volunteer Match is always a great place to start. They have hundreds of events listed for MLK Day, plus thousands more on other days. I especially like that they have “virtual” volunteering for those of us who like to stay indoors, but still want to help. Another useful resource is the USA Freedom Corps, which President Bush started after 9/11 to connect volunteers and opportunities.
The new year is the perfect time to embark on a new routine. Rather than let the winter blues get you down, get inspired by the example of past and present leaders. Grab your corner of the world and find a way to contribute. You’ll be the first one to benefit!