Service projects can be a great way to spread the word about your organization and to reach out across barriers to attract partners and sponsors. The more broadly you cast your net, the more you will reflect the teachings of Dr. King - and the greater your success will be. Here are a few examples of the kinds of groups you should approach:

Groups with Similar Missions

Groups that are involved in the same issues as your organization-the future of young people, homelessness, literacy, health care, the environment-are a good place to start. Look for organizations that have made a commitment to strengthening your community and whose expertise you may need.

Civil Rights Groups and King Holiday Commissions

Dr. King gave his life in the civil rights struggle, and many organizations today continue to reflect his beliefs and ideology. These groups would make excellent partners for your project, as would a wide variety of African-American organizations, especially African-American historical associations or religious groups. Dozens of cities and states have King holiday commissions that plan ceremonies, lead observances and promote Dr. King's vision of America on the holiday. Alliances with those organizations would help to place the focus of your service project squarely on Dr. King's legacy and his dream of building the Beloved Community.

Youth-Serving Organizations

Young people should be an important element of any service project. To get them involved, contact such organizations as America's Promise, Campfire USA, Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H Councils, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, and YWCA. Form partnerships with schools and colleges.

Corporations, Local Businesses and Unions

Invite corporations to join you early on as full partners. Ask companies in your community, especially those that have operations near a service site, to help with project planning and to pitch in with employee volunteers, as well as with funds and supplies. Trade unions also are actively involved in community events and are a good source of volunteers with special skills.

Schools and Colleges

Many school districts have a community service requirement and are looking for partnerships to help students reach their goals. Start by approaching service-learning or community-service coordinators. If you are near a college or university, contact the local service-learning center, campus service organization or work-study office. Approach teachers, teachers associations, and sororities or fraternities.

State and National Service Organizations

The Corporation for National and Community Service administers several programs that would make excellent partners for your project. Contact your local AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, or Senior Corps program; your state service commission; or your Corporation state office.

Faith-Based Organizations

Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship have been partners in the King Service Day since its inception, and many - if not most - are already providing valuable services in their communities. Many congregations have King Day memorials but do not have special service projects on that day. Work with them to plan a combined day of reflection and service.

Sports Teams

Professional and semi-professional sports organizations are supporters of a wide range of community initiatives. Players often participate in service projects and lend their names and images to good causes. Team owners and managers can provide free tickets to reward volunteers, or run promotional ads on their scoreboards or in their programs.

Media Organizations

Television and radio stations, newspapers and cable networks typically are actively involved in community events or are willing to donate such services as placement of print ads and broadcasts of public service announcements. Media organizations can also help plan and support a public information campaign, produce materials for distribution, lend staff for the day - and even provide news coverage of your activities.

Government Leaders and Government Employees 

Don't be afraid to reach out to the elected leaders in your community; they can be extremely helpful in issuing a call to service and in getting partners on board. In the State of Washington, for example, Governor Gary Locke included information about serving on King Day in two state payroll mailings leading up to the holiday. Even better, invite your mayor, county executive or governor to serve. In past years, even the President of the United States has participated in a King Day service project!  Consider local/state government agencies and regional offices of the federal government as potential partners and as a source for volunteers and organizing projects.  Most of them have the day off.