Commit to Serve on This MLK Day

Happy New Year! If you’re like me, the start of the new year is a welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It’s a time to hit the reset button, make resolutions, establish goals and refocus on priorities.

For Scouts, one of these priorities is helping other people at all times, which we pledge to do in the Scout Oath. And there’s no better time than the month of January to redouble our commitment to this important activity.

Although the holidays are a time of giving, it’s easy to focus our attention to giving to those in our immediate circles: family, friends, classmates, teachers and colleagues. In January we are reminded of the importance of service to all as our nation honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the MLK day of service, observed this year on January 16^th.

I know many of our troops already have planned service projects to coincide with MLK Day. If you are still looking for a way to make a difference, I encourage you to visit https://www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday. You can search for volunteer opportunities near you, list an effort you are hosting, and find resources that underscore the importance of service to others and learn more about Dr. King and his important contributions to our society.

I’d love to learn what you have planned for MLK Day 2017, and to hear about the outcomes of your service activities. Please feel free to share in the comments.

And remember: Just because this national day of service occurs in January doesn’t mean we only think of service during set milestones. There are always people who need a helping hand, 365 days a year. Let’s do our part to make 2017 a year of service and demonstrate that Scouting is committed to leading the way.

Let’s make it a wonderful year.

Mike