Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With more than 40,000 volunteers and 600 service projects in 2004, the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is the largest King Day of Service event in the nation. Launched in 1996, the event is organized each year through a partnership between The Citizenship Project, and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Together, these organizations work with schools, faith-based and community organizations, businesses, AmeriCorps programs and many others in the seven county Philadelphia region to overcome barriers and meet community needs through service.

From school renovation to legal clinics and reading coach training, service projects are as diverse as the individuals and communities they serve. Service teams are organized to match volunteers with new people and places, so that individuals serve with others whom they may otherwise not interact. Working side-by-side to achieve and reflect on common goals, volunteers embrace Dr. King’s teachings and make a positive impact on the community and each other. With sustainable citizen action as a goal, many projects launched on King Day continue throughout the year.

Below are tips on how to incorporate Dr. King’s messages of diversity and tolerance into your service project:

• Identify activities that engage volunteers of all ages
• Organize service teams that bring together diverse organizations and individuals
• Incorporate educational activities that explore the life and teachings of Dr. King
• Lead meaningful team reflection following service projects

To learn more about the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, visit www.mlkdayofservice.org.