On January 18, 2010, HandsOn Network will help lead efforts forMartin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, a national day that engages hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country in service projects that reflect the teachings and honor the life of Dr King. Thanks to the support of the Corporation for National & Community Service, HandsOn Network will engage even more people in volunteerism to transform their communities this year.

 

Last year, 37 organizations mobilized more than 71,000 volunteers in 1,200 community service projects through the support of the Corporation, and approximately 50 grants will be available for 2010. Pittsburg Cares’ Diversity Shelves Project is an example of the amazing and creative work accomplished by HandsOn Network Action Centers on MLK Day 2009. Pittsburg Cares focused on engaging and educating elementary school students, activating hundreds of volunteers for a number of projects on MLK Day. For their signature Diversity Shelves project, volunteers built bookshelves and decorated them with words and images from the civil rights movement. The shelves were filled with books that celebrate diversity and respect, and then the shelves were distributed to elementary schools classrooms in the Pittsburgh Public and Charter Schools. This is just one example of the meaningful projects organizations across the country designed to tackle community issues and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.  

 

Now is the time to get your organization involved and plan an MLK Day project that will empower residents, ensure long-term volunteer engagement and honor the life of Dr. King! HandsOn Network is now accepting applications from in-network and out-of-network organizations for funding for MLK Day of Service 2010. The application deadline is Monday, September 14, 2009. For 2010, grants are available in increments of $2,500; $5,000 and $10,000, with greater emphasis placed on community resident engagement, volunteer leaders, increasing impact in communities, self-mobilization and providing continued opportunities to serve. The RFP and Application are available here: http://www.handsonnetwork.org/files/mlkday2010grantrfp.doc   Please direct questions to MLKgrant@pointsoflight.org For information about the national MLK Day of Service, visit www.mlkday.gov.