AmeriCorps of Georgia - Martin Luther King Day

By Rochelle Barry Director of Georgia ’s State Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and John Turner , Executive Director of the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Since Martin Luther King first issued that call to service, Americans have sought to find new and inventive ways to build upon our country’s long history of service to others – the spirit which Dr. King exemplified. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the law which made the third Monday in January a national holiday to honor King’s birthday. Three years later, that same day was designated as a national day of service by Congress, making January 17, 2011 the 25 th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The idea is simple: let’s make it a day ON, not a day off!

This year, The Corporation for National and Community Service and the Georgia Commission for Service and Vo luntee rism are encouraging nonprofits all over Georgia to coordinate and host projects to not only honor the legacy of Dr. King, but to bring attention to—and help meet—the real needs affecting so many Georgians.

We are reaching out to all Georgia ns and asking you to help your fellow neighbors, and those in need by participating in one of the biggest national Days of Service. Let’s make sure Georgia shines by having a huge outpouring of support and volunteer efforts!

Dr. King’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing social needs today. Each of us can contribute to strengthening our own communities by serving in Dr. King’s honor on MLK Day and throughout the year. In addition, by making service part of our daily lives, we can help realize his dream and support our nation’s renewal and recovery.

Projects are happening all over the state, ranging from food, clothing, and paper product drives, to cookie baking, tax preparation, flood recovery, winterizing projects, basic household tasks, and mentoring opportunities. The possibilities, as well as the opportunity to help out, are endless. The best part is that doing your part is easy just visit http://www.serve.gov, click on the search icon, and you’re ready to find a way to get involved that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Thank you for helping meet the needs of our fellow Georgians. Together, we will “Make it a Day ON, not a Day OFF!”

Rochelle Barry John Turner

Director Executive Director

Georgia Office, Corporation for Georgia Commission for

National and Community Service Service and Volunteerism

Photo of Members Preparing Sandwiches for the Homeless

January 26, 2010

MLK Day A Success in Georgia

Georgia AmeriCorps Members and Volunteers Served Their Communities Making a Lasting Impact

Georgia AmeriCorps members and volunteers took to heart the importance of giving back to their community by spending Monday, January 18, 2010, serving others. MLK Day 2010 was a huge success as AmeriCorps members and volunteers spent time reading and distributing books to children, planting trees in their communities, participating in blood drives, beautifying their communities, building sea turtle nesting mounds, preparing and delivering food to the homeless, participating in activities with children in the community, beautifying school grounds and many other projects while reflecting on the wisdom, service and life of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteers for MLK Day came in all ages, from youth volunteers to senior volunteers.

"The children worked with each other and the parents, seamlessly. I came away from this project inspired by the ability of children to engage and serve, and even more importantly to lead others with their enthusiasm, energy and ability to work together," said Stacy Minter Georgia Recovery Corps member and AmeriCorps Alum.

One middle school student from Atlanta stated, "Volunteering isn't just about a difference in the time you get up in the morning; it's about making a difference in your community."

Spread out across Georgia, serving communities in all regions of the state, Georgia AmeriCorps members and volunteers provided a huge and meaningful impact.

Please take a look at the photos below for a glimpse into the amazing service Georgia AmeriCorps members and volunteers participated in during MLK Day 2010.

Jumpstart Emory AmeriCorps members plant trees in Atlanta CIS Troup County AmeriCorps members distribute books to children

Outward Bound and Youth Villages AmeriCorps members prepare GA PAS Augusta AmeriCorps members pack personal hygiene

lunches for the homeless packs for the homeless

Macon Police Cadets Corps AmeriCorps members help beautify Albany Police Cadet Corps and Jekyll Island Authority/Georgia

the yards of senior citizens Sea Turtle Center AmeriCorps members construct diamond back

terrapin nesting mounds

Youth volunteers partnered with the Atlanta Chapter of AmeriCorps Jumpstart Georgia State University AmeriCorps members are all

Alums to participate in a Hands on Atlanta project at Dobbs smiles at Dobbs Elementary

Elementary School in Atlanta

A Hands on Atlanta AmeriCorps member cleans a dorm room at Clayton State University AmeriCorps members partnered with Trees

the Atlanta Union Mission, members also sorted through 35,000 Atlanta to plant trees in an Atlanta area community

coats and created hygiene kits