Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2020

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Against what seemed impossible odds, Dr. King and scores of his fellow citizens of all races came together and ultimately helped bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice. In recognition of Dr. King’s incredible legacy of service to all, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as the first ever national day of service in 1994, and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for service, with leading this effort.

Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.”  

The upcoming commemoration of the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20 is an opportunity to remember that history and re-commit ourselves as citizens by volunteering in service to one another. It is also time to consider how much work remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream. Service is a powerful tool for strengthening our communities, but it is only a start. 

An appropriate way to honor Dr. King is through service and volunteering in our communities. Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play. Five decades later, we still have more work to do. 

In 2020, Americans in all 50 states will honor Dr. King through acts of service that renew our communities and nation.

Join PittServes as we volunteer make it a day on, not a day off.

Register today to participate in the MLK Day of Service. You'll be able to indicate a residence hall or student organization which you would like to serve with on Monday, January 20 once you continue registration below.

If you have questions, please email Lily Nong at lin20@pitt.edu.