Monday, January 21^st, marks the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday and provides an opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service aims to transform his teachings into community action. This day of service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, and creates solutions to social problems.

Each community has its own obstacles to address. Whether it is health disparities, inadequate access to healthy food, or unsafe playgrounds for children, working together can help solve these community problems. To help bring the community together, on a service day or any other day, strategic partnerships are important. Below are some ideas for increasing community involvement.

• Is the goal to increase children’s physical activity? Collaborate with school administrators, physical education teachers, after-school programmers, and community recreation centers.
• Does the community hope to reduce second-hand smoke? Talk to restaurants, bars, and other businesses about declaring their establishments smoke-free. Involve public housing authorities and owners/management agents to protect residents.
• Want to encourage residents to walk more? Work with community planners to create safe walking and biking paths. Talk to employers about encouraging employee walk and bike to work programs.

How is your community working together to solve problems and benefit the health of residents? Anyone can be involved and take action. Share your plans with us here!

Want to know more?

MLK Day of Service: www.mlkday.gov

CPPW Resources for Community Engagement