Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and a great day to thank him for all the good he accomplished in his years of service to America and the world. Because of his courage in trying to promote equality among all men and all women, we enjoy a greater emphasis on an individual’s rights. He was a tremendous example for standing up for what you believe in and for getting things done in a peaceful way. The President-elect and his wife are calling for Dr. King Day to be a day of service in America. They have made it easy for all Americans to get involved in their communities. Here are some ways to find out what you can do.

1. Watch Michelle Obama’s introduction of USA Service.
   
2. Visit USAService.org to find out more about what you can do in your own community.
3. Don’t forget to visit the Other Service Opportunities page to discover an enormous number of organizations.
4. Discuss with your family what type of service in which you would like to participate.
5. Make a commitment. Send an email, place a phone call, make it official.
6. Make a plan. Write it in your daytimers, calendars, or planners and let your family know what you are going to be doing together on Monday.
7. Host an event. There is even a place where you can sign up to host a cleanup of a park or a spaghetti supper.
8. Put politics aside. This day should not be political. It should just be Americans working together.
9. Spread the word. If you have a blog, be sure to let people know that you will be participating in a National day of service on Monday. Post about it on Facebook or Twitter.
10. Sign up to receive updates about future service opportunities.
11. Let’s get started! Now is a time of great need in our country and in the world. Let’s get excited about a chance to do our part and teach our children the importance of serving our fellow human beings.

What do you plan to do on Monday?