MLK DAY OF SERVICE HAS BEEN MOVED TO FEB 3RD. 

please re-register and SEE BELOW FOR UPDATES:

At this time we also share in mourning the very recent loss of 62 year old Dexter Scott King. Dexter was the youngest son of MLK and lost his battle with prostate cancer.  More Information Can Be Found on The King Center [HERE] 

details & LOGISTICS FOR SEWANEE'S MLK DAY OF SERVICE 2024

the NATIONAL THEME:
IT STARTS WITH ME : SHIFTING THE CULTURAL CLIMATE THROUGH THE STUDY AND PRACTICE OF KINGIAN NONVIOLENCE.

THINGS TO KNOW:

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: At this time, it is anticipated that the MLK Day of Service program will resume on February 3, 2023 according to the plans below. Please continue to check your email for consistent updates from the Provost's Office regarding the weather.

WAVIER: Completed waivers are required to participate in the service aspect of the program (i.e. building beds). If you completed a wavier before January 15th, it is null and void. Please complete a new wavier [CLICK HERE] or see the information below. You can also search your email for wavier and registration information from the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

REGISTRATION: If you did not register, you are still welcome to show up, eat, serve, and engage. Only those who registered prior to December 17, 2023 will a receive a T-shirt in their requested size. There will be a limited supply of shirts on a first-come-first-serve basis for those who are unregistered. EVERYONE will still have to re-register for this event. Please [CLICK HERE] to re-register!

DATE & TIME: February 3, 2024. Doors will open at 8:15 am, cst. Check-In will begin at 8:30 am. If you are opting out of brunch, please arrive by 9:45 am for check-in and instructions. The service project will conclude when all bed boards and bed linen supplies have been crafted.

LOCATION: The MLK Day of Service brunch and volunteer engagements are happening in The Fowler Center, which is located at the following Address: Texas Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375.

PARKING: Please be considerate when choosing a place to park as we are limited to the lot across from the building and we would like our visiting community members and those with needs for greater accessibility to easily find a space. Please be sure to say "thank you" to Sewanee Athletics for all of their help and support in the planning of this event.

T-SHIRT PICK-UP PROCESS: CLICK HERE FOR PICK-UP SCHEDULE AND MORE DETAILS

 

LOGISTICS & PROGRAM:

  1. Check-in for the event in Fowler begins promptly at 8:30 a.m, cst. Please arrive at or as close to 8:30 a.m. as possible, as we have over 230 people who will need to check in and confirm the completion of their wavier. The Check-In tables will be located at the side entrance of Fowler (the one that faces the football field. If you go to the football field, you've gone too far. Walk back a few paces). Please be prepared to share your last name and if you have a completed waiver for the check-in process.
  2. We will begin the brunch promptly at 9 a.m. There will be a breakfast buffet with options that incorporate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Brunch will end promptly at 10:00 am to focus on the service project.
  3. We will begin the program/service project for bed-building and blanket-making at 10 a.m. Those of you who have opted out of the brunch please arrive by 9:45 a.m. to be checked in and receive the necessary instructions for the service activity. 

 

MLK Day of Service Things "To Remember":

  • Complete THE WAIVER FOR SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE as soon as possible for easier and faster check-in upon arrival. Click the dark colored "Sign Up" button within the link above and follow the steps from there.
  • While you are welcome to come through the front entrance of Fowler and head downstairs, we encourage everyone to come around to the side entrance of Fowler (the small side parking lot) and enter at the large garage door entrance. That is where the check-in tables will be located.
  • For students, faculty, and staff, please do your best to park where you usually would and walk to Fowler to help with traffic and congestion. For our community volunteers, you can park in a visitor spot across from Fowler or another visitor spot on campus.
  • Please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting messy as well as close-toed shoes. All of the volunteer service work will be inside Fowler; however, there might be a few people who need to do some work outside. If you have work gloves, go ahead and bring them. If not, it's perfectly OK!
  • For faculty, staff, and students who have university name tags, please consider wearing those to the event to save on disposable ones.  
  • If you are participating in Shake Day, we anticipate that the program should conclude prior to 1:00 pm in order to be mindful of previously scheduled Greek Events.
  • If you have any accessibility needs prior to the program or when you arrive, please look for Matt Brown. [CLICK HERE] for Matt's staff information.

Get ready to meet some wonderful people, have fun, and make a difference in our community!

A FEW FAQs ABOUT THE MLK NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Sources: The King Center, Americorp, & NPR

WHAT IS THE MLK NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE?

In 1994, under then-President Bill Clinton, it became the only federal holiday dedicated to volunteerism, after Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act. Americans are encouraged to observe the day "with acts of civic work and community service" in honor of King's legacy. 

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.

WHY JANUARY AND WHY MONDAYS?

The holiday always lands on the third Monday of the month, roughly around the time of King's actual birthday, Jan. 15. The timing is also in line with the Uniform Holiday Act of 1968, which ensures a long weekend for workers.

what does the king holiday and service act say?

[CLICK HERE] to read the Act. 

How can i celebrate the mlk national day of service?

Join Sewanee each year during January for their annual service program. You can [CLICK HERE] or [CLICK HERE (scroll to the bottom of this page)] for more ways to celebrate.