Friend,

Monday marks the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. I’ll be joining residents of #13thDistrictStrong at a few different service opportunities in the community.

What are you doing this Monday? Click here to find a service opportunity near you to celebrate MLK Day.

Every year, people celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy by coming together to volunteer in their communities and build a better world. This federal holiday is “a day on, not a day off,” where we’re encouraged to put Dr. King’s values into action.

As Dr. King said: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” I believe in this wholeheartedly. Every day I’m acting as a public servant for people in Michigan’s #13thDistrictStrong, as well as people across the country who yearn for justice. And every day, I’m inspired by people taking big and small actions to bring about that justice we all deserve.

Creating a just world requires all of us, not just visible leaders. Dr. King was an incredible leader whose words and actions resonate with us deeply today—but he alone didn’t win the victories of the Civil Rights Movement. He was part of a rich tapestry of people working in various ways to bring about equity, many behind the scenes.

And that work continues. As Dr. King said in his “I Have a Dream” speech: “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” That rings as true today as it did then.

We can honor Dr. King by recognizing our own power, especially when we come together by engaging in action. That includes volunteering together in community service, where we can build bridges in our communities, empower one another, and solve problems together.

There are so many ways to participate on Monday, if you have time. Service projects include delivering or serving meals at a local shelter or food pantry, helping to clean up parks, supporting senior centers or after-school programs with their needs, helping people with literacy or financial literacy skills, and more.

Let’s answer Dr. King’s question: “What are you doing for others?”

Find and sign up for a volunteer opportunity near you this Monday, for MLK Day.

Thanks for all you do,

Rashida