Celebrate MLK Jr. Day of Service Like a Girl Scout
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., a key leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent action. While most recognize his powerful quotes about injustice, his impactful "I Have a Dream" speech, and his leadership during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, his beliefs were deeply rooted in the power of service to others. As a result, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday specifically designated as a National Day of Service.
MLK Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January, but Girl Scouts can honor his legacy all year long by taking action and creating sustainable impact in their communities.
Here are some ideas for how your Girl Scout(s) can get involved on the holiday, or throughout the year:
- Complete a badge related to the teachings, ideals, and vision of MLK.
- Daisies - Good Neighbor, Democracy for Daisies, Digital Leadership
- Brownies - Celebrating Community, Democracy for Brownies, Digital Leadership
- Juniors - Inside Government, Democracy for Juniors, Digital Leadership
- Cadettes - Finding Common Ground, Democracy for Cadettes, Digital Leadership
- Seniors - Behind the Ballot, Democracy for Seniors, Digital Leadership
- Ambassadors - Public Policy, Democracy for Ambassadors, Digital Leadersip
- Complete a Take Action project - A Take Action project gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to become leaders in their community by planning and implementing a service-learning project.
- Community Service Bar Awards - Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors can complete a Service Bar by volunteering with community organizations.
- Girl Scout Higher Awards - Create lasting change by planning a project that meets a need in your community.
In addition, many community organizations provide opportunities for service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and beyond. Reach out and find something that you feel will honor his legacy and further his goals of community and togetherness.
