On January 17, 2022 we celebrate the inspirational life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader whose vision for justice and equality challenged the “status quo.” As a social activist in the 1960’s and beyond, Dr. King was a representation of change. He used his platform to speak out against hate, racism, and injustices toward our fellow nation, neighbors, strangers, and friends.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take a look at some ways you can provide service at home or on your own in the community, while still following public health guidelines to help keep you safe and healthy:
Alleviating Poverty Through Service
Dr. King made many contributions to the civil rights movement, not to mention his impact on reducing poverty in America. The mission of Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) is to empower children and families and ensure they receive support that aims to alleviate generational poverty. Honor his legacy by contributing to EOCF to ensure children and families furthest from opportunity continue to receive support.
- Donate to EOCF
- Support our local food banks by donating online, or supplying non-perishable food items to the Clark County Food Bank.
- Support organizations helping people experiencing homelessness such as Share Vancouver, Council for the Homeless, and Open House Ministry Family Shelter.
Learn & Discuss
Honor Dr. King’s legacy is by learning more about his life and teachings, including the principles of non-violence and his commitment to eliminating poverty.
- Virtually attend the National Civil Rights Museum showcase on January 17, 2022. It’s free!
- Host a virtual discussion with friends and family about King’s life and teachings, his principles of non-violence, and community challenges and ways to address them through service and volunteering. Learn more about his life at CivilRightsTeaching.org.
- Read a book from one of the MLK Day booklists at The King Center.
Promote Healthy Futures
- Donate blood through Bloodworks NW. The United States is currently facing a critical blood shortage, and working with local organizations like Bloodworks NW guarantees our community the care they need.
- Visit CDC.gov for a detailed look at the interpersonal and structural biases that are negatively affecting the health of our nation.
Economic Empowerment
The pandemic has created many hardships for small businesses. By showing your support for our local small businesses, you directly contribute to an independent and vibrant community in Southwest Washington.
- Shop at local BIPOC-owned small businesses and restaurants. Find your favorites here: Local BIPOC Businesses
- Support organizations that provide pathways to economic opportunity and prosperity, such as the Vancouver NAACP or the LULAC-League of United Latin Americans.
EOCF is committed to equitable outcomes for all children, families, and staff by using an equity lens to inform all decisions and practices. This weekend, we urge you to take a moment to learn about this iconic leader who was instrumental in advocating for the lives of others, allowing our organization to provide the opportunities we do, every day.