MLK Jr Day – A day on, not a day off

For the past three years I’ve taken MLK Jr. Day off work.

In 2009, I drove down to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration of our 44th presidency.

In 2010, I attended the march on Michigan State University’s campus and the MSU Community Celebration Dinner.

While I’ve always wanted to do volunteer work for this holiday, I’ve always found other priorities. This year is different.

Today I’m volunteering at the Warren E. Bow Elementary School in Detroit.

Warren E. Bow is a great school for children to attend! At Warren E. Bow we take pride in working to meet and exceed expectations when it comes to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed. Our high rate of qualified teachers, dedicated parents, and strong community involvement is key to increasing academic achievement.

We take our responsibilities for educating your children very seriously. Ensuring that all students achieve to their maximum potential is Warren E. Bow primary goal.

Bow Elementary School has consistently met the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements.

I signed up to volunteer through City Year, a national organization that “provides critically needed services to some of the most underserved children and youth”.

As part of the work, I am likely to do some of the following: Mural painting, locker quote painting, organizing and cleaning up classrooms, and more. I’ll find out more upon check in.

It’s not too late to help out in your community. There are always opportunities and ways for you to take the initiative upon yourself. Spend some time cleaning up a local park or mentoring a child. Good work goes a long way, and together we can make our communities stronger.