With one week until the 2018 MLK Day of Service, volunteers and organizers are gearing up to complete 50 projects in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s day of service marks 50 years since the assassination of Dr. King.
“Completing 50 service projects across Chattanooga is a great way to begin 2018 and sets an example of how we can extend Dr. King’s message and teachings throughout the year. Our work on Monday is just one more way that we are breaking down barriers and improving the lives of our neighbors and our community,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
"New for 2018 is the addition of several special projects that also advance Dr.
King’s dream of opportunity for all," officials said. "People who are looking for work are encouraged to attend a resume review session at the Edney Building. Another unique project this year is wheelchair cleaning stations at Patten Towers and Whiteside Faith Manor. Anyone who uses a wheelchair or knows someone who uses one is invited to participate in this free service. The League of Women Voters is also hosting voter registration sessions at various locations throughout Chattanooga."
“We are overjoyed by the number of volunteers who signed up for projects on Monday. We also want people to turn out to take advantage of these free opportunities that will enhance their lives - like the resume review, which could help you land your next job,” said Vanessa Jackson, Neighborhood Program specialist for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Hundreds of volunteers have already registered for Chattanooga’s fifth year of “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” where the Office of Multicultural Affairs mobilizes local citizens, schools, neighborhoods, businesses and organizations to complete service projects around the city. This year’s MLK Day of Service will include all of Chattanooga’s neighborhoods, with projects reaching every corner of the community.
Next week, on the morning of MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 15), volunteers will gather on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at Chamberlain Pavilion for the kickoff and then disperse into neighborhoods to undertake landscaping, clearing debris, trail maintenance, painting, deep cleaning, building repairs, community art projects and more.
This year’s service projects include not only beautification, but also education and outreach. Volunteers will canvass multiple apartments and homes to equip Chattanooga residents with info on their rights under fair housing law.
Shortly after the assassination of Dr. King, the 1968 Fair Housing Act became law. It prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and family status, and protects citizens from discrimination when renting, buying, looking for a house or acquiring a mortgage.
MLK Day Schedule:
Volunteer Check In 8 - 9 a.m.
Service Projects Begin - 9 a.m.
Kickoff Location: UTC Chamberlain Pavilion
Projects will last until 12:30 p.m., or earlier as tasks are completed.
For more info, visit
http://connect.chattanooga.gov/mlkdos/.