MLK Day of Service: What to Know Before You Take Part in The Legacy of Transformation

 

Soon, thousands of individuals will be volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. Here at United Way, we want to support you, those who wish to give their time and resources during MLK Day of Service. Here we will offer reflection questions, reminders, and recommendations to ensure you're prepared to serve the community. We want to support you so that partnership and co-dreaming pervade instead of pity, paternalism, and privilege, and want you to continue Dr. King's legacy of transformation instead of transaction as you connect with nonprofits and communities.

Why does this matter? Sometimes, although well-meaning, volunteers can come into communities they serve and lead with a position of power and saviorism. Saviorism zeroes in on the "problems'' of the community that need to be "fixed" instead of looking at the varying factors of why that issue exists in the first place. That mindset can create an ‘us vs. them’ dynamic, where volunteers are the heroes, and community members need saving from their situation, bad decision making, and unfortunate luck. Centering yourself as the hero of the story that comes to rescue diminishes the systems, policies, social structures and institutions that have historically excluded those communities, mainly communities of color. The emphasis is on fixing people, not the root causes of harm.

When this happens, impactful change halts, and autonomy, progress, dignity, and respect are stripped away from those we wish to serve. Furthermore, harmful language, actions, and power imbalances chip away at the mission we want to help move forward. It is our responsibility to see ourselves as partners in liberation, freedom, and justice, not saviors. We wish to be co-dreamers, individuals dedicated to the dreams of the communities and not just their needs and we want you to be a part of that journey with us.

 

Here are some things we challenge you to consider as you prepare to partner:

Volunteerism is a good thing. We don't individually have all we need, and volunteerism creates an opportunity for connection and cultivating an ecosystem of shared care. Although the act of volunteerism itself is not innately destructive, it can be when used as a tool for pity, paternalism, othering, or self-interest. This can then create psychological, mental, spiritual and physical harm to those on the receiving end of the service. It's a hard reality to come to terms with, but sometimes helping does hurt.

Reflection Question: You are committing to serve. In what ways can volunteers be helpful? In what ways can it be harmful and strip communities of their wholeness and humanity?

 

Learn and unlearn about the community you'll be connecting with before you decide to partner. Gain some knowledge about the issues they face and how that issue has roots in systemic harm. Come in to learn about the gifts, talents, and skills the community possesses and the good you'll be meeting on that day. The clients, neighbors, and communities that will benefit from your resources are already thriving in other areas that may not be as apparent. Push yourself to find out what those things are as you serve

Reflection Question: You are committing to serve. Why does this issue even exist? What is making you have to volunteer with this organization in the first place?

 

Volunteerism is about them, not you. A co-dreamer recognizes that community is at the center of service, not volunteer comfortability, not personal catharsis, and not fleeting short-term, feel-good emotional experiences. This is about the communities' dreams being realized, specifically Black and brown communities that have been and are currently and intentionally excluded. Every act of service should center the connection of your partnership, gifts, skills, and resources to theirs to move the needle so that they are closer to breaking down the barriers that make them in need in the first place. This is where their dreams are centered and can be realized.

 Reflection Question: People don't need fixing; systems do. How does this particular issue disproportionately affect Black and brown communities that have been historically excluded and affected the most by harmful systems?

 

Transformation doesn't happen in a day. Although Dr. King's legacy is honored in a day, this work was his life work. Do good feelings, and band-aid transactions cannot be the goal. Can you feel good about volunteering? Yes, you can absolutely feel a sense of accomplishment in partnering well. Will your act of kindness make a difference? Yes, because inaction is not an option. We are all responsible for the liberation of our neighbors. We are challenging you to decide how you want to continue partnering with the organization long after the MLK day of service and how you want to stay connected to the cause once the day has ended. Remember that you're there for a period of time and get to leave. Still, the communities have to live with inequitable systems constantly.

 

We need you to pledge to be a part of a lifestyle of advocacy and co-dreaming and not a part of a transaction. During this time, we've learned that nonprofits see an almost 50% increase in volunteerism during the holidays, never to be seen again as the year progresses. We've talked to several partner organizations who share the same experience. They say they need volunteers to stay after the day. They need volunteers to connect to the mission and do the work long after the cameras, long after their company stops coming, long after the thrill is gone, long after people stop posting about #givingback. Change is a long game. We push for this not to be one-and-done. Let it be the start of a real commitment.

Reflection Question: A number of organizations opening their doors to volunteers during MLK Day of Service have ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Ask yourself what happens next. Once you're back home, as you live day by day, how will you continue the learning and volunteering you've begun that day? What Black and brown led organizations can you partner with and make a dedicated bond to their justice work?

 

Don't leave the organization you volunteer with without actually becoming a long-term co-dreamer in their work. Be accountable and do it. Ask the following question… "How can I keep this going?"

We hope that these reminders and reflections will be helpful as you start to think through how you will show up on this crucial day and every day. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness, consideration, and dedication to these communities and our neighbors. Please let us know if you have any questions about partnering and what it looks like for you to show up to help and not harm.