MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE (JANUARY 19, 2009)
to GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY (APRIL 24-26, 2009)
About the Semester of Service
Semester of Service encourages students, ages 5-25, to develop a semester-long service-learning project that launches on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 19, 2009) and culminates on Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2009). Projects take place in classrooms as part of the academic curriculum; in schools as part of the extra-curricular activities; in congregations of faith; and in youth development groups in neighborhoods across the United States. During these 12 weeks, young people from elementary schools to graduate universities will identify a problem or unmet need that affects their community, the nation, or the world. They will prepare a plan, take action to implement their solution, reflect deeply on their progress and next steps, and celebrate their success.
Semester of Service Blog
The Semester of Service Blog features news & updates from Youth Service America and our partners, stories from Lead Agencies and grantees organizing and leading Semester of Service projects, and service-learning project ideas & resources.
“Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country. On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live. Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service. I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency. At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.” – President-elect Barack Obama, 1/14/09
Youth Service America’s Semester of Service and Global Youth Service Day provide opportunities for young people, ages 5-25, to answer President-elect Obama’s call to service. Semester of Service provides the framework and tools for children and youth from schools, colleges and universities, youth centers, and faith-based organizations to continue service started on MLK Day and sustain it over the course of the spring semester, providing time for youth to delve deeply into an issue and improve their communities. Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2009) is the largest service event in the world and provides an opportunity for children and youth to join with millions of their peers around the world to improve communities and to raise awareness of service and the role of youth as community leaders.
Plan a Semester of Service or Global Youth Service Day project:
1. Download planning resources.
The GYSD Project Planning Toolkit offers step-by-step, how-to directions for planning and implementing a service project.
The GYSD Service-Learning Curriculum Guide is a guide for teachers and service-learning coordinators to use in implementing a high-quality service-learning project.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service offers Americans the opportunity to unite as a country to build stronger communities and create a better nation. Find out how you can take action on this day by donating your time and efforts in honor of one of America’s greatest leaders.
In the words of Dr. King, "everybody can be great, because everybody can serve." Think for a moment about your greatest passions, your gravest concerns or your grandest ambitions -- and turn those ideas into action!
This picture-book biography for young readers is an excellent introduction to one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin's Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America "and the world" forever.
Winner of a Caldecott Honor award, the Coretta Scott King Honor Book award and numerous other honors, First Book is pleased to welcome this acclaimed title as a First Book Marketplace special edition -- making this wonderful title affordable to children from low-income families nationwide.
A wonderful choice for organizations celebrating Dr. King's birthday in January, the MLK Day of Service, Semester of Service, Black History Month in February, or learning about this powerful force for good any time of the year.
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