Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
The overarching theme for the 24th annual King Day of Service will be a world without gun violence, with an emphasis on gun violence and its affects on young people. Highlighting some 5,000 volunteers who are expected to serve in more than one hundred projects, workshops, and presentations at the Girard College signature project site, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other elected officials will lead volunteers in a project focused on the impact of gun violence on communities, finding solutions, and envisioning peace by creating Dreamline Banners and Dream Booths to be installed in public places across Philadelphia.
We have three opportunities available for Scouts and Scouters in the Philadelphia area:
- Cobbs Creek Environmental Center – Come join us from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia PA, 19143 for activities for Webelos and above. The activities will include painting, so please dress accordingly.
- The Met Philadelphia – We are working with the Holy Ghost Headquarters Church that meets at and owns 50% of the Met. We would like to work with the church in a service event that will help the community, in addition to promoting Scouting, our values and ultimately establish Scouting in the area. Scouts from the City of Philadelphia and surrounding areas are welcome to participate in Holy Ghost’s Peace & Love program on MLK day. Volunteer opportunities are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MET, 858 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19130. Please wear your Class A uniforms or field uniform.
- Girard College – The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest King Day event in the nation, promotes year-round volunteer service and civic engagement. Last winter tens of thousands of people throughout the tri-state region, including children, seniors, and families, received vital services and resources as part of the 24th annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service. Volunteers are needed to run an information/recruiting table from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please contact your District Executive if you are able to assist.