Ambassadors of Service
One of the most effective and credible ways to communicate the value of MLK Day of Service to the community is to “put a face” on the program. To ensure that this year’s MLK Day of Service is a huge success, the Corporation for National and Community Service is launching its MLK Day Ambassadors of Service program.
The Ambassadors of Service are integral to the success of MLK Day of Service, as they help the Corporation generate awareness about volunteering on the MLK Day of Service among a broad audience and promote service as part of the solution to our nation’s most pervasive challenges. This year’s Ambassadors have exhibited an ongoing commitment to service and volunteering, and believe that service can move our nation one step closer to realizing Dr. King’s dream.
Ambassadors of Service will:
- Promote awareness of the ways in which Americans can help meet the vital needs of their communities and the nation through volunteer service and civic participation on MLK Day of Service.
- Use their platform to encourage the American public to serve on the MLK Day of Service and make a commitment to serving their local communities throughout the year.
- Advocate for service as an effective way to tackle serious social problems and advance Dr. King’s work and honor his legacy.
| 2012 MLK Day Ambassadors of Service |
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John Bridgeland |
Ruby Bridges |
David Eisner |
 Isaac Newton Farris Jr |
Michael B. Jordan |
Kevin Liles |
 Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr. |
Marc H. Morial |
The Honorable Harris Wofford |
| 2011 MLK Day Ambassadors of Service |
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Tatyana Ali To be able to serve our communities and our neighbors is a blessing. The seed that is sewn in one act of kindness and service reaps rewards greater than can be imagined. It not only changes the life of the receiver, it dramatically affects the life of the giver for the better. By participating in this day of service we are honoring the countless men, women and children whose lives are committed to service on a daily basis and taking our future into our own hands. |
Julian Bond I have always believed that 'King Day' should be a day "on," not a day "off" – it should be a day of service, as should all the other days of the year. While no one is calling for us to drop concerns of family, school and profession, let’s all dedicate some hours of every day to do the things we think Martin Luther King, Jr. would have expected from us if he was here today. It is plain old common sense to help your neighbor, the people down the block, even the man you usually pass each day without speaking. Do it! Do it now. |
John Bridgeland Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to serving our nation and ensuring America lived up to its Creed. Let us rededicate ourselves to serving in ways that transform our country and help those in need. |
Michael Brown I am honored to serve as a Corporation for National and Community Service 2011 MLK Day Ambassador. In honor of Dr. King’s tireless pursuit of social justice and the American dream for all, City Year observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a 'day on', not a ‘day off.’ On Monday, nearly 2,000 City Year AmeriCorps members and staff will lead 8,000 citizens in completing physical service projects in schools across the country - painting murals and classrooms, landscaping school grounds, building bookshelves and leading educational activities for children. Many of the projects will take place in schools where City Year's young leaders serve full-time throughout the year to help close the education achievement gap and help at-risk students stay in school and on track. |
Monique Coleman I'm honored and excited to be a 2011 MLK Ambassador. When I was a little girl, I connected deeply to Dr. King's simple but profound message of peace, justice, equality, & service. I remember thinking, "I wish I could've have been around when he was still alive so I that could march behind him and stand up for others." As I grew older I realized that I didn't have to live during the civil rights movement to make an impact. I simply had to show up, stand up and speak up for anyone who needed a voice. I believe that within all of us is the desire to change the world. But, in order to do that, we have to open our hearts and minds to unlimited possibility. We have to reignite "the dream" that Dr. King placed in our hearts. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, how much money you make, or where you're from. This nation needs you! This year you have the opportunity to honor the life of one of our greatest heroes by participating in community service projects all around the country. I know what serving others has done for my life, so I encourage you to get involved. We only get one life, and it just takes a moment to make someone else's better. |
Chris Draft “Just one person taking action can inspire others to do the same” - Leslie C. Aguilar |
Wayne Firestone Inspired by Dr. King’s example and motivated by our shared commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, Hillel is organizing volunteer opportunities for Jewish college students across the country on the MLK Day of Service. As in years past, this day will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone to a larger commitment to national service for many students. |
Dr. Robert Franklin Morehouse College is Dr. King’s alma mater. He walked the grounds of our campus, learned in our classrooms, was inspired in our chapel and then went out to impact the world for good. The students, staff and faculty of Morehouse believe that it is our moral obligation to continue the traditions that have produced so many great citizens and leaders in the past. Dr. King said that ‘This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists.’ We believe that everyone has a role to play in repairing a broken social contract and a fragmented world. And, we are inspired by the quote of Rabbi Hillel, “The world is equally balanced between good and evil. Your next act will tip the scale.” Let’s use this Day of Service to “tip the scale.” |
Seth Goldman Over the past ten years my wife and three boys have developed our own family ritual for Martin Luther King’s birthday. We wake up and drive to a service project that we all can participate in – usually with City Year, Washington, DC. On the drive to and from the work site, we listen to recordings of Dr. King’s speeches (my favorites are “If I had Sneezed”, “the Drum Major Instinct” and of course, “I Have a Dream”). By the time we get home, we’re dirty, tired, and often covered with paint, but heartened that the day’s efforts are one way for us to honor Dr. King’s legacy with the work of our heads, hands and hearts. |
Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington On this important holiday, when we remember one of our country’s most effective leaders — and one who recognized the power of community service — I encourage all Washingtonians to use this occasion to give back to their communities. Dr. King embodied the principle that if you volunteer your time and energy to break barriers and help those in need, we all benefit. And he was right. On this National Day of Service, I was honored to spend my time at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., helping to put together 75,000 care packages for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was grateful to help those who put their lives on the line to serve us. While the emphasis of today’s holiday is public service, would it not be even more meaningful if we could maintain this spirit of giving throughout the year? During these tough economic times, it will take all of us working together — today, tomorrow and into the future — to ensure we all come through stronger than ever before. |
Hill Harper Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of service. He once stated that “all labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” What better way to honor him than to volunteer our time and talent on this great day of service. |
Michael B. Jordan As the great leader once spoke, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” I personally believe that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s love for all of us was louder than any act of violence. He was truly ground-breaking; he broke down barriers that ask the question, what would the world be like without him, even now? His unfathomable patience floors me, but also dwells in me. If I can, in any significant way, make his dream sing in glory, I will. |
The Honorable John Lewis U.S. Representative (GA-5) |
Marc Morial Dr. King urged us to “walk in the light of creative altruism.” By setting aside the anniversary of his birthday as a day of service to our communities, we recognize the true spirit of his legacy and honor the best within ourselves. As an Ambassador of Service, I'm proud to represent the National Urban League which looks to the example of Dr. King as we enter our second century of empowering communities and changing lives. |
Janet Murguía President and CEO, National Council of La Raza (NCLR) |
Craig Newmark “Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice” - Martin Luther King, Jr. Now, let's everyone connect via the Internet to make that real. We've started to do that, surpass good intentions, and do what seems right to you and finish the job. |
Michelle Nunn CEO, Points of Light Institute and Co-Founder, HandsOn Network |
Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland I am truly humbled and honored to have been named a Service Ambassador on this 25th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Especially in the midst of these trying times, we need the strength of our neighbors to help us find hope and uplift one another. In honor of Dr. King, I’d like to encourage everyone to volunteer and serve their neighbors in need as we celebrate the spirit of community that connects us as one nation. |
Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue of North Carolina Dr. King’s message of peace, racial equality, social justice and service embodied the spirit of his dream for all Americans. His legacy that unites us as citizens will always live through national service participants that will organize food, book and school supply drives for needy children in their communities. |
Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois Dr. Martin Luther King’s teachings and service to others can continue to guide us in addressing our most pressing needs including poverty, economic insecurity, job loss, and education. Through volunteerism, we can work together to help strengthen our communities. |
Jon Rosenberg I am truly honored to be an MLK Day Ambassador of Service. My personal commitment to Dr. King’s vision has led me to fight for equality – as a public defender, a civil rights lawyer, an education leader, and a volunteer -- and for a meaningfully integrated society in which all Americans can have real access to the American dream. As a Jew and as the leader of a Jewish service organization, I am inspired by the example set by great forebears such as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, by the thousands of Jews who participated in the great civil rights struggles, and by the many who continue to fight for a just society today. Finally, as the father of two wonderful children of both Jewish and African-American descent, I am deeply committed to the notion of a tolerant, equitable society where they and their generation can reach their full potential. |
Jurnee Smollett Actress |
The Honorable Harris Wofford The logic for making the holiday for Martin Luther King a day of service "a day on, not a day off," is simple and clear. What would Martin have wanted it to be? Anyone who knew him or marched with him or read or heard his words knows that he would not have wanted it to be a day for rest, recreation, shopping, or just doing nothing. He might have felt honored if he knew his words were read, recited and remembered, because he believed that in the beginning is the Word and some of the greatest words in American history were his. But above all, he dedicated his life to the proposition that the word must be made flesh. He would have wanted his day to be a day not of apathy but of action. |
| 2010 MLK Day Ambassadors of Service |
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| Dr. Kimberly S. Adams President and Managing Director, Adams Political Research & Consulting “My generation owes much of our freedoms, our successes, and our societal advancements to Dr. King, and countless others in the Movement, for their continuous fight and unyielding commitment to social justice and equality for all. To celebrate a national day of service on Dr. King’s birthday is highly appropriate and a fitting tribute to a man who, through his service, changed America for the better. This national day of service affords the youth of today, and Americans in general, an opportunity to give back through service to others what has been so richly given to us.” |
| Julian Bond Chairman of the Board, NAACP |
| John Bridgeland President & CEO of Civic Enterprises, and former Director of the Domestic Policy Council for President George W. Bush |
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"I am honored to serve as a Corporation for National and Community Service 2010 MLK Day Ambassador. At City Year, MLK Day has always been a 'day on', and not a day off: We honor the spirit and legacy of Dr. King through events across the country that unite young people in service with City Year, staff, service partners, champions and community members on the common ground of service. This year at ceremonies nationwide, 2,000 middle school and high school students will pledge more than 160,000 hours of service, and will act on that commitment immediately by joining in the City Year service events. This day of painting, planting and renovating is a powerful expression of Dr. King's belief that 'everyone can be great because everyone can serve.' MLK Day also offers a highly visible indication of the power of national service and the City Year corps members who come together from all backgrounds and honor Dr. King's legacy throughout the year as tutors, mentors and role models dedicated to keeping students in school and on track." |
Byron Cage “As we celebrate the 81st Birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let's give the greatest gift possible: our talent and service to continue in the legacy of non violence, hope and change. Do something special for someone today. Service goes a long way.” |
| Chris Draft Professional Football Player, Buffalo Bills and Founder of the Chris Draft Family Foundation “As professional football players, we have a great opportunity to make a larger difference in the lives of young people. Having the opportunity to make a positive impact is a privilege and responsibility that I am passionate about.“ |
| Chuck Brown Recording Artist |
| Neil Diamond Recording Artist and Songwriter “I am honored to serve as a 2010 MLK Service Ambassador, and encourage Americans everywhere to volunteer and help out in their local communities today, of all days, Martin Luther King Day, but also throughout the year. People helping people, one neighborhood at a time – that is how we can change the world.” |
| David Eisner President and Chief Executive Officer, National Constitution Center |
| Isaac Newton Farris President, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center “My uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said that “Life’s most persistent and nagging question is ‘What are you doing for others?,’ and his wife, The King Center ’s Founder, Coretta Scott King said that “the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate acts of its citizens.” The King Center wholeheartedly embraces this challenge and promotes community service as a central commitment of our organizational mission. Thus, we strongly advocate community service, not only as the best way to honor Dr. King and commemorate the King Holiday, but also as a 24-7, year-round way of life.” |
Wayne Firestone “Rabbi Hillel once said, ‘If I am only for myself, who am I?’ Martin Luther King inspires our country with a similar call to national service as well as an entire generation of students who have something to contribute not only in the classroom but also out in the community.” |
| Geoffrey Fletcher Screenwriter of “Precious” |
| Dr. Robert Franklin President, Morehouse College “Morehouse College is Dr. King’s alma mater. He walked the grounds of our campus, learned in our classrooms, was inspired in our chapel and then went out to impact the world for good. The students, staff and faculty of Morehouse believe that it is our moral obligation to continue the traditions that have produced so many great citizens and leaders in the past.” |
| Seth Goldman President and TeaEO, Honest Tea Beverage Company “Over the past ten years my wife and three boys have developed our own family ritual for Martin Luther King’s birthday. We wake up and drive to a service project that we all can participate in – usually with City Year, Washington, DC. On the drive to and from the work site, we listen to recordings of Dr. King’s speeches (my favorites are “If I had Sneezed”, “the Drum Major Instinct” and of course, “I have a Dream”). By the time we get home, we’re dirty, tired, and often covered with paint, but heartened that the day’s efforts are one way for us to honor Dr. King’s legacy with the work of our heads, hands and hearts.” |
Carla Hall “Volunteering is a great way to spend time with your neighbors, support your community and use your positive energy to give back - all while spreading the love. Many people shy away from community service because they do not know how to get started. So start your service journey by visiting www.Serve.gov/MLKDay where you can find local volunteer opportunities. Everybody can serve and every little bit counts; make this MLK a day of action - make it a day for volunteering.” |
| Hill Harper Actor, Author, Philanthropist and founder of Manifest Your Destiny Foundation "Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of service. He once stated that 'all labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence'. What better way to honor him than to volunteer our time and talent on this great day of service." |
| Harry E. Johnson, Sr. President & CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc When ask why and who should serve in memory of Dr. King, the answer is quite simple: "Any one who ever benefited from anything Dr. King said or did....that includes ALL of us." |
| Jeff Johnson Broadcast Commentator, Author and CEO Jeff's Nation LLC |
| Debra Lee President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Entertainment Television |
| The Honorable John Lewis U.S. Representative (GA-5) |
| Ruth Messinger President, American Jewish World Service “Martin Luther King exemplified the conviction that it was necessary to do, not just to speak. He urged us all to work to make the changes that needed to be made in our communities, in our country and in the world. He spoke always to the importance of meeting people's immediate needs and, as well, of standing up for justice, fighting evil, putting ourselves on the line to create the world we want.” |
| Marc Morial President and CEO, the National Urban League |
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“I've had as much fun volunteering and working on community projects as any movie I've ever worked on. And I've met a lot of the most interesting and inspiring people that I know through that kind of participation...many of my personal heroes, in fact. It shakes me out of myself and reinvigorates my optimism about America every time.” |
Usher Raymond IV "Dr. Martin Luther King taught us that everyone, no matter who they are, has the power and ability to change their community through service. As we remember Dr. King this January, I encourage everyone, especially young people to become leaders in their community. There are many unique service opportunities happening around the country sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and others or, you can get out there and create your own projects. Everyone has what it takes to follow Dr. King’s example and lead a life that is Powered By Service!" |
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“When I see images or hear audio of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking I see someone who wanted change not merely to satisfy a short term goal, but change that his grandchildren would feel the affects of generations down the line. I want my child to grow up in a world where volunteering and serving our community is an ingrained part of our culture. In honor of Dr. King please join me on this Day of Service by volunteering your time and abilities wherever they are needed.” |
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“Dr. King is a shining example of the mountains that can be moved, the shifts that can occur when one person is of service. I am excited and encouraged by the attention that the Obama administration is placing on being of service. We are all in this exchange of "life" together. None of us do this alone. We need each other and we can heal each other. We each have an opportunity to show up and be of service in whatever capacity speaks to us. Each of us is enough to make a difference. Each of us has something to share. For me it is sitting with, listening to, witnessing, comforting, encouraging and laughing with teenage girls. There are really no words for me to express the priceless gift of spending time, the joy of connecting and listening. I know our lives are so full and it seems like there is no time but the crazy thing is that being of service, sharing and taking part in something for others seems to create space and a fullness in the experience of your day. I have been taught to give from the over flow and I believe that we all have an abundance that we can share …maybe it is financially, maybe it is our time, or a skill or maybe it is hugs, kindness, support or an open heart.” |
| Rabbi David Saperstein Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism "Half a century after his actions and eloquence took hold of the hearts and minds of our nation, the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to instruct, inform and inspire us all. Even as America makes significant strides toward justice, we know how much further we must travel to become the nation of which he dreamed. On this day, as we celebrate Dr. King’s life and work, we recommit ourselves to carrying on his vision and doing our part to repair the world and engage in the sacred work of tikkun olam." |
| Emmitt Smith NFL All-Time Leading Rusher and President of ESmith Legacy, Inc “I think the best way for us to honor Dr. Martin Luther King is to serve our communities and our country in the best way that we possibly can. He was a man that devoted his entire life to equality and social justice and opportunities for all and with that said, he has given the ultimate price which was his life, for people life myself and many others who have enjoyed the luxuries of freedom and the abilities to go out and have the opportunities that we have. Whether it is myself through sports or whether it is the social justice that we have right now or the equality that men and women enjoy right now as we live our present life state." |
| Pat Smith President of Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities and Founder/CEO of “Treasure You” "I have received so many blessings in my life and feel it is my duty and obligation to give back to those in need. As the first African American woman to win the title of Miss Virginia USA, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has had on advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all Americans. Were it not for Dr. King paving the way and for caring mentors who took the time to encourage and motivate me on my journey, I could not have achieved my dream of becoming Miss Virginia USA. |
| Reverend Al Sharpton Civil Rights Leader and Radio Host |
| Susan Taylor Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement |
Bob Weir "One can easily boil MLK’s basic message down to this: If enough people individually decide that they want a society where everyone benefits by everyone else’s actions, then it will happen. I share this dream. Dr King said: "Mine eyes have seen the Glory". And if you care to look, you can, too." |
The Honorable Harris Wofford “The logic for making the holiday for Martin Luther King a day of service "a day on, not a day off," is simple and clear. What would Martin have wanted it to be? Anyone who knew him or marched with him or read or heard his words knows that he would not have wanted it to be a day for rest, recreation, shopping, or just doing nothing. He might have felt honored if he knew his words were read, recited and remembered, because he believed that in the beginning is the Word and some of the greatest words in American history were his. But above all, he dedicated his life to the proposition that the word must be made flesh. He would have wanted his day to be a day not of apathy but of action.” |
Francene Young “We are proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by participating in educational, diversity, health and environmental programs that touch the lives of so many in our community. Our long-term support of the MLK Day of Service is part of our commitment to strengthen the communities we operate in by maintaining strong social responsibility programs.” |
