In his powerful sermon "The Drum Major Instinct," delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” This powerful statement is relevant now more than ever. Dr. King’s message reminds us that each of us has the power to create meaningful change, from our local communities to the global stage.
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service turns this belief into action, encouraging individuals and communities to honor Dr. King’s legacy not just with reflection, but with meaningful work that creates lasting change.
Why the MLK Day of Service Matters
The MLK Day of Service is more than a day off; it’s a day on! It’s a call to address inequities, strengthen communities, and take tangible steps toward justice. Volunteering transforms Dr. King’s vision into lived experience, proving that progress happens when people come together with purpose.
Whether it’s supporting education, addressing food insecurity, caring for the environment, or advancing equity, volunteering builds momentum for justice—one action at a time.
How to get involved on MLK Day
1. Volunteer
Volunteering is the best way to give back to your community. Sharing your time, talent, and treasure and calling for positive social change is what Dr. King stood for. MLK Day offers unique in-person and virtual volunteering opportunities focused on racial justice and community building. Check out in-person and virtual opportunities on GivePulse to get involved this year!
2. Learn and Grow
Education enables you to be an effective advocate and empowers you to engage in meaningful conversations, challenge misconceptions, and work towards dismantling systemic inequalities. Education becomes a powerful tool in the pursuit of social justice, encouraging a continuous commitment to learning and evolving perspectives. Learn more about Dr. King, his life, and his legacy, or visit museums honoring his legacy, like the National Civil Rights Museum.
3. Donate
Dr. King's advocacy for social change was deeply rooted in collective responsibility and communal upliftment. Donating to local and national organizations focused on advancing racial equity provides vital financial support to organizations and initiatives that actively work toward dismantling systemic racism and promoting inclusivity. Additionally, donating goods like baby products, clothing, coats, shoes, food, etc., can significantly impact members of your community by providing much-needed items and support. Head over to GivePulse.com to browse donation drives and fundraisers you can support.
4. Vote
MLK was a strong advocate for the right to vote as a fundamental aspect of democratic participation to achieve social and political change. Educate yourself on the issues and candidates, be sure to check if you're registered to vote, and sign up to receive election reminders through our friends at TurboVote!
5. Support
As we celebrate MLK Day and move into Black History Month (February 1 - March 1, 2025), it's an excellent time to use your purchasing power to support Black-owned businesses in your community. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses promotes diversity within the business landscape. By intentionally seeking out and supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, organizations, and causes, you are building a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone.
Find Volunteer Opportunities on the GivePulse Platform!
This MLK Day, we’re making it easier than ever to turn intention into impact. On GivePulse, you can discover volunteer opportunities that align with your values, interests, and availability (locally and beyond). From one-day service projects to ongoing commitments, every opportunity is a chance to contribute to positive change.
Communities in Action: Highlighted Service Opportunities
Join institutions, GivePulse, cities, and businesses, who are encouraging community-wide engagement to collectively impact social good for MLK Day. All of us can be great because any person, group, organization, or business can serve.
Many universities across the country are leading the way with impactful MLK Day of Service initiatives, offering students, faculty, staff, and community members ways to get involved:
Villanova University is hosting service projects focused on community engagement, education support, and social justice initiatives that reflect Dr. King’s commitment to service and equality.
The University of Mississippi Center for Community Engagement is organizing MLK Day service opportunities that connect volunteers with local nonprofits addressing critical community needs.
Keep Austin Beautiful is offering opportunities centered on civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and community well-being as part of its annual MLK Day of Service.
Texas A&M University–San Antonio is bringing volunteers together for hands-on service experiences that uplift neighborhoods and strengthen local partnerships.
And many more institutions and organizations are providing meaningful ways to serve through GivePulse.
These opportunities demonstrate how collective action (rooted in service) can move communities forward.
Take Action Today
Dr. King believed that everyone has something valuable to give. This MLK Day, honor his legacy by taking action. Explore volunteer opportunities near you on the GivePulse platform, join an MLK Day of Service project, and be part of the force that keeps justice gaining momentum.
Because when we serve together, real change becomes possible, and greatness becomes something we all share!
About GivePulse
GivePulse's mission is to enable everyone in the world to participate and engage in lifting their community to new heights. We do so by providing a platform to list, find, organize and measure the impact of service-learning, community engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and volunteerism.
Founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, GivePulse works with 650,000+ groups, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, K-12/school districts, and cities and municipalities. Together, we connect millions of people in an effort to create positive social change.
Start making a difference today by visiting www.givepulse.com. Or schedule a call with our team.