MLK Week of Action
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
January is National Mentoring Month, and it is also the month we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to service in the community.
In this spirit, United Way of the Midlands organized a Week of Action, taking place now, to highlight the importance of mentors and tutors in the community, especially the need for more African American male mentors.
The group BADD (Black Achievers Determined to be Different) kicked off the week by having 20 high school students spend an afternoon reading to children at the Ben Arnold Boys & Girls Club. Click here to see more pictures from yesterday’s volunteer opportunity.
Bridgett Molony, Volunteer Center Manager chose to highlight BADD for the positive role they play in the community.
“The goal of this week is not only to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but to emphasize the need for African American male tutors and mentors in the community. We chose to highlight BADD because they are already a presence in the community filling this much needed role every day, not just during this week,” she said.
There were also volunteers participating at four other Boys & Girls Club sites in Richland and Fairfield County yesterday. Over 200 volunteers are expected to volunteer during this MLK Week of Action and will spend their time in shelters, afterschool programs and child development centers across the Midlands.
“Our hope is that our volunteers will connect with these agencies and continue volunteering year round,” said Molony. “Ongoing volunteerism is what will really start to make a difference.”
Volunteer opportunities are still available Wednesay, January 11th from 9-11 a.m. and Friday, January 13th from 9-11 a.m. To register, please email bmolony@uway.org.
