To Serve Mankind
By: Victoria Spear
Every third Monday of January we celebrate the holiday known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in celebration of the Civil Rights leader and speaker who shaped the freedom and rights for everyone across the nation. Martin Luther King was known for his stance on equality, freedom, and development of community holding the foundation for love for all. As we all learned through our history, the civil rights leader was all about shaping his ‘beloved community’ for the better, hence the reason why many students and people volunteer on this day in his honor.
Although this is a holiday about giving back to the community it is also sometimes hard for us to find opportunities to give back. Every year as an active sorority member and college student I make the effort to volunteer not only on the holiday but also each month to show activity within the community. In honor of the mission to serve the community, this is an excellent way to not only get involved in service to mankind but to ourselves as well. Here are a few examples of how you can leave an impact on your community:
1. Community Cleanups
Dr. King believed in the importance of maintaining and uplifting communities. Our communities are known for the vast need for cleaning services along the roads, parks, and public areas we reside. Organizing or participating in a local cleanup can significantly impact your neighborhood. Whether it’s picking up litter in parks, mowing the grass, or planting trees, these actions contribute to a cleaner, more vibrant community we all can enjoy.
Even day-to-day cleanup on the streets helps. If you see litter or trash nearby is a small effort to help the community. Recycling as well, make sure to sort out plastic from trash and throw it in the nearest recycling bin. These small efforts day to make large improvements to our community for the better without having to do large community events.
2. Food Drives and Meal Services
Addressing the issue of hunger and food insecurity aligns with Dr. King’s advocacy for economic justice. As a Birmingham native, there are multiple opportunities to make a change regarding feeding the less fortunate within our community. Volunteering at food banks, organizing food drives, or helping serve meals at shelters are great practical ways to support those in need. Your time and effort can provide comfort and nourishment to many who might otherwise go without.
Downtown Birmingham Al, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a volunteering service at Blazer Kitchen that provides food for UAB students, staff, and Birmingham residents in need. These services have left a huge impact on many people, taking into account dietary restrictions and needs while also improving their lives. If you have time check out Blazer Kitchen don’t hesitate to sign up through Blazer Pulse to help out your community.
3. Tutoring and Mentorship Programs
Education was also a cornerstone of Dr. King’s vision for a better future for the youth. Volunteering as a tutor or mentor can help bridge educational gaps and provide young people with the support they need to succeed. Many organizations welcome volunteers to assist with homework, literacy programs, and skill-building workshops. Many schools and hospitals will even allow volunteers to sit in with kids and allow them to read in groups. This serves as a great opportunity to have that continuous volunteer experience.
4. Support for the Homeless
As we know there’s a huge epidemic of the homeless in our community that Dr. King fought to solve. Volunteering at shelters, donating clothing, or participating in housing initiatives can help address homelessness in your community. These efforts not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term solutions.
There are many shelters in the Birmingham area to volunteer such as Interfaith Hospitality House, First Light, and Jessie’s Place. These areas are well known for helping those in need and creating opportunities for volunteers to make a difference for those in need. When you have the time make sure to check these shelters out!
5. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
Dr. King was a tireless advocate for civil rights. Participating in advocacy groups, attending workshops, or joining campaigns that promote social justice can continue his work. Educating others about ongoing inequalities and fighting for legislative changes are powerful ways to honor his legacy. There are many ways to join these groups on campus and off campus and rely heavily on your mentors to direct you. They have experience and might be able to reference you to these programs to leave an impact where it’s needed.
6. Health and Wellness Programs
Finally, access to healthcare and wellness resources was another aspect of Dr. King’s dream. Committing service at health clinics, organizing wellness fairs, or supporting mental health initiatives can enhance community well-being. This will not only benefit the community but yourself as well, many volunteers at clinics now aspire to be nurses and doctors. Their experiences with volunteering left a huge impact on their future, and it could leave one for you as well.
Keeping the Memory
We aspire to not be like Dr. King for one day but every day. By committing to community service and leadership, we can leave a huge impact on not only ourselves. Going out into the world, we forget simple acts of service make us human and leave longer impacts than we choose to think. We challenge you to go out as much as possible and partake in these activities as bright young women whose dreams they can attain one step at a time. As we all know, Dr. King’s dreams are still continuing to be fulfilled, but yet there is still so much work to do.
