Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
For over 20 years, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service has encouraged individuals to volunteer their time to improve their communities. As we look ahead to Monday, January 18, 2021, that spirit of community service can be as a rallying point to heal our differences through a common cause as giving back and strengthening the places where we live, work and play is something we all can agree on.
Across the country, more than 600,000 people volunteer their time at the Y, strengthening communities and improving lives—including their own. For many of us, the beginning of a new year is a time for making plans to live a healthier life. If you’re looking for a way to get active, be more socially connected, feel better about yourself and help your neighbors improve their well-being, consider making a resolution to volunteer at the Y! Many people join the Y to improve their health and well-being, but when they give back and support their neighbors, they enhance their total wellness in spirit, mind and body. Research has shown that people who volunteer may experience these benefits:
- A greater sense of purpose and meaning
- Lower levels of depression
- Improved mood and self-esteem
- Less stress and better time management
- Better heart health
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day find a program or organization that is meaningful to you and give them a call. You’ll certainly be glad you did. We’re grateful for every one of our Y volunteers and we hope you’ll join their ranks. At the Y, we’re more than just a gym—we’re a volunteer led charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community. Whether through coaching youth sports or helping someone learn job skills, you can find a variety of volunteer opportunities that match your talents and interests. Ask a Y staff member how you can get involved or visit www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday for more inspiration.