The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
During a time when people are strapped and scared, the new administration is asking us to do something. They are asking us to show up, to step forward. They are reminding us that America was built not only by industry but also by labor, by love and by action. Our is a country built by ordinary people who stood together to accomplish the extraordinary.
In 1994, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others.
As a tribute to that legacy and the very real needs of our nation, the new administration has launched a national organizing effort to engage Americans in service. Called “Renewing America Together” the Obama administration is calling on Americans to do what we can for our communities and fellow citizens.
Thousands of events are being held across the country today. In Washington, DC, the President-elect and Michelle Obama will participate in local events to serve their new home.
A national website, www.usaservice.org , has been set up to help host and find service events. Volunteer opportunities can be searched for by zip code.
Treasure Valley nonprofits have responded by posting their volunteer opportunities on the site. Opportunities vary from the Idaho Food Bank’s “Fill the Shelves” initiative to the Boise Bicycle Project’s call to learn how to fix up bikes for local children, incoming refugees, homeless people and others who need transportation.
But it’s not just today. According to USA Service, “Unlike past calls to service, President-elect Obama is calling on all Americans to do more than just offer a single day of service to their cities, towns and neighborhoods. He is asking all of us to make an ongoing commitment to our communities. Never has it been more important to come together in shared purpose to tackle the common challenges we face.”
The USA Service website will remain an ongoing resource to help organizations promote service events and for Americans to find opportunities to serve and to share their results.
If you do not have money to give this year, please find time to give. It is indeed during these times of adversity that opportunity presents itself. Stand up. Show up. Step forward. This is your chance to help the organizations that are vital to the welfare of our country and our community.
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