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MLK Day is over, but the impact is ever-lasting
It may have been over a month ago, but that doesn't mean it's old news. For the 16th year, United Way for Southeastern Michigan coordinated a community-wide day of service to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In partnership with City Year, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College, Lawrence Technological University, Oakland County Community College, Oakland University, Madonna, and Wayne State University, we mobilized 1,400 volunteers. That group also includes employees from All State, American Express, and Chrysler who chose to spend their day off with us.
Though it was only one day, the volunteers made an impact that will last for days and months to come.
Two of the more popular projects took place at United Way's turnaround schools -- Cody High School on Detroit's west side and Osborn High School on Detroit's east side. These schools are part of United Way's high school turnaround work, which is turning failing schools into high performing high schools by attaining 80 percent graduation rates within five years.
Volunteers at Cody and Osborn painted murals throughout the schools to brighten the halls for students. The completed murals will remain long after the project ended, motivating countless youth who walk through the school doors each day.
Other projects included beautification activities at nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Again, the volunteers have left behind a legacy that will impact staff and service recipients for years to come.
While some rolled up their sleeves, other volunteers gained useful knowledge. About 30 individuals used the MLK Day of Service to participate in important training that will help them become mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, Childhelp, and the American Chaldean Council. For these volunteers, MLK Day served as a jumping off point to a long-term commitment to give back.
This year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service proved that while we may come together for one day, it's the lasting effects of that day that are most important. We're excited that so many individuals continue to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day ON, not a day off.
Detroit named a City of Service
Detroit is making headlines again, this time for being a leader in volunteer service. The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded Detroit and nine other cities across the nation with the first Cities of Service Leadership Grant. This grant supports a Chief Service Officer who reports directly to the city's mayor and is responsible for leading local efforts to develop and implement a citywide plan to increase civic engagement and volunteerism.
Each city was asked to define two high-priority issues that the Chief Service Officer should focus a volunteer mobilization plan around. In Detroit, the issues selected were basic needs and education. These issues directly align with United Way's Agenda for Change and we are excited to work with the new Chief Service Officer to mobilize people and groups to improve conditions in these areas.
In addition to working with the Chief Service Officer in an ongoing capacity, United Way has been proud to assist the Mayor's Office with completing the initial grant application and working to bring together key individuals and groups that will best support the work of the Chief Service Officer.
Once hired, the Chief Service Officer will have a two year contract, focusing on:
- Leading efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive volunteer mobilization plan.
- Making the entire region the easiest place in the nation to volunteer.
- Empowering residents of all ages to contribute to the health and well-being of their community.
- Incorporating best practices to set clear metrics that gauge progress against the mobilization plan.
Cities of Service was launched on Sept. 10, 2009, in New York City. It is a bi-partisan, multi-year effort to engage cities nationwide in finding new and innovative ways to harness the power of volunteers and make an impact on the most pressing community issues.
Stay tuned as the Chief Service Officer begins to work with United Way and other key stakeholders. For more information about the national Cities of Service coalition, log on to www.citiesofservice.org.
In the news
United Way's work, as featured in news articles and blogs.
Yes He Can: One Can A Week program inspires imitators. The Huffington Post. Article about an Arizona man's One Can A Week program, and the national movement it's inspiring, including an adaptation by United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Kids loved kickoff of free family fun days. Oakland County Moms Blog. Article discussed the first Panera Family Fun Day in conjunction with United Way's ELC. Join us for the next event on March 13 at the Panera on Eureka Rd. in Southgate.
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