National Days of Service
National Days of Service are celebrated events that bring people
together in their local communities, schools and neighborhoods to
highlight a particular need, find a solution and renew our sense of
commitment to community service.
Not every community celebrates every day of service, but those
communities with Volunteer Centers often have the most coordinated
approach to involvement, using these days to benefit and involve
volunteers in group projects in meaningful ways.
While Days of Service are high impact one-day events, they are only
pieces of a larger strategic community volunteer plan. For many people
they represent a way to get started in volunteering, either by oneself,
with family and friends, in service organizations, or with an employer
sponsored group.
The best Days of Service projects are those that stimulate and inspire
you to go one step further in helping others and in solving community
problems.
National Days of Service Resources
Sample Project Check List - use when coordinating a a large scale service project
National Days of Service Listing- description and website of national days of service throughout the year
Notable Days of Service
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January -
To help keep Dr. King's legacy of service to others alive in communities across the country.
Global and National Youth Service Day
April -
To empower young people, highlighting their ongoing
contributions to their communities and mobilizing their energy,
commitment, and idealism through sustainable service.
National Volunteer Week
April -
To recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state and national levels.
Join Hands Day
May -
A day of volunteering that brings youths and adults together to improve their own communities.
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
September 11 -
to remember and serve in tribute to all of those
who were lost in the terrorist attacks and the tens of thousands who
rose in service on 9/11/2001
Click here to view resources related to planning a 9/11 Day of Service project.
Kids Care Week
October -
Kids Care Week is dedicated to recognizing the power of
kids to reach out and help others in their local community. During the
week, young people focus their compassion on a specific social issue
through a service project.
Make A Difference Day
October -
To inspire and reward volunteers. Everyone who helps others
on this day and submits an entry form is eligible for a national or
local award and for a cash donation to a charitable cause.
National Family Volunteer Day
November - T
o call families across America to work together in
volunteer service to strengthen their families, communities, local
businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Many local United Ways also celebrate Days of Caring as a volunteer kick-off to their annual campaign in August or September.
To learn about your local Days of Service, contact your local
Volunteer Center