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Community Corner

MLK Jr. Day of Service 2014

About the Day: MLK Jr. Day of Service is a powerful day of activism and reflection. Each year volunteers across the nation commemorate this day with meaningful service, learning, and remembrance. On Monday, January 20, 2014 more than 1000 community and corporate volunteers will make MLK Jr. Day of Service a “Day On, Not a Day Off” as they revitalize the campus of a Title I school in South Los Angeles whose physical grounds are in great need of care.  Research has shown that children learn better in an environment in which they feel proud and comfortable.  School gardens and gardening have an impact on science, math, social studies and language and visual arts.  In addition, the students have the benefit of learning teamwork and responsibility by caring for the garden. The students will also see first hand the wonders of fresh food, healthy nutrition, and benefits of exercise.  As a Title I school, 40% or more of students at the elementary school come from families that are low-income.

Volunteer Project: Murals across the campus that are dated and peeling will be repaired or replaced, school buildings and grounds will be painted, and landscaping will be rehabilitated. While volunteers will work across the entire campus on the day, the focus will be on building an enlarged school garden.  After the MLK 2014 Day of Service, participants will be encouraged to maintain a long-term commitment to service through volunteer opportunities connected to the new school garden as well as L.A. Works’ existing managed volunteer projects which will include activities that are specific to MLK Day of Service.  

Registration:
 http://tinyurl.com/l8ydnbn

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.

Teams/Groups: How to Sign Up A Team. (This includes families). Volunteers are assigned to projects on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee that your group will be able to volunteer for the same project. To increase your chance of volunteering with your group, please come early and arrive together.

Our corporate sponsors help make this event possible! Fiscal sponsorship is available for corporate teams who would like to volunteer together.

Age Requirements: Volunteers for this project must be at least 5 years of age. 

Minors
: Any volunteer under the age of 18 will need to bring and have signed by a parent/guardian an L.A. Works Volunteer Agreement & Release for Minors. Volunteers under the age of 14 must have a parent/guardian with them. Volunteers under the age of 14 cannot create L.A. Works Accounts so parents/guardians must create a Team to sign up their family. See note above under the section "Teams/Groups."

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Dress Code: Casual attire and sneakers (sturdy closed-toe shoes). Please wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Wear sunscreen, a hat and bring your own eco-friendly water bottle if you have one.

Parking: Check back for more information as the date approaches.

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Accessibility: L.A. Works firmly believes that we strengthen the social fabric of our community by involving all in service. If you feel you need accommodations to participate in this project please email us at info@laworks.com.
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