Honoring Dr. King In Our Community: Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Dr. King believed that all of us should help the poor and oppressed; he said that when we do good for the most in need, we are actually helping improve society as a whole.

There are many nonprofit agencies that dedicate each and every day to helping others. You can probably name a dozen well-known nonprofit agencies off the top of your head, but have you ever heard of Project Outpour, Hearts For The Invisible, The Males Place, or For The Struggle? These organizations provide mobile showers, help people experiencing homelessness, mentor African American males, and fight systemic issues of racial and social injustice.

These agencies and many more are part of United Way’s Unite Charlotte and United Neighborhoods initiatives. 

Ways to get educated and involved:

MLK CALL TO SERVICE & SUPPORT

Days of service – whether national, local, or organized through a company or house of faith – can provide benefit to the community. But truly impactful efforts to address the root causes of poverty, economic opportunity and racial equity require 365-day-per-year commitments – the kind of work that the nonprofits funded by United Way undertake. To learn about year-round volunteer opportunities, including some with United Way partner organizations, visit SHARE Charlotte’s website to find information about hundreds of local nonprofit agencies and their volunteer needs.

Nonprofit agencies in our area need a variety of items to provide for their clients’ needs. Another way to support nonprofits, apart from volunteering, is to purchase those needed items from this Amazon Wish List, and you can specify which county in our region (Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg or Union) will receive the items.

LISTEN & LEARN

Listen to Drum Major Instinct, Dr. King’s analogy of racism and the instinct of a drum major in a band or parade. Dr. King defined the “drum major instinct” as the subconscious need some people must feel superior, be first, or feel important. King believed this desire to be first or feel important could be self-serving, but if nurtured correctly, it could also be a powerful resource for good. 

Answer the 2025 MLK Call to Service on Saturday, January 18.