January: Civil Rights and Social Justice
We have a rich tradition of social action and citizenship in our country, and we all have a responsibility to learn and do our best to assure equity for all through listening and advocacy. In a time of crisis, we look to generosity and diverse connections to guide our next steps and conversation. As citizens of a fair and just society, we must take responsibility to pave paths to justice.
- New Year's Day: Each year more than half of all people living in the U.S. (more than 150,000,000 people) make New Year Resolutions. Let’s start a movement to include service and volunteerism on our list of New Year Resolutions.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January): This national holiday is an opportunity to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the work of peace advocates, such as King and Mandela and Gandhi. Since many people follow the words of Dr. King ("Everybody can be great because anybody can serve") and make it a day of service, we teach the vocabulary of kindness, justice, collaboration, and service.
- National Mentoring Month: Students mentor others to help others move forward. This may be an academic or social skill for a younger student or peer. Or young people may mentor seniors on technology skills and build intergenerational relationships. Link to lesson plans.
