Photos: (Getty, Facebook)
As President Barry has declared, Friday, January 19 is National Day of Service. On top of that, Martin Luther King Day is on Monday, January 21, the same day as the Presidential Inauguration. To get in the spirit of Dr. King's message and take advantage of his poppin holiday weekend, we've got some recs of national orgs you can get involved with!
We picked these orgs because they're all over the country. But they're def not the only national orgs, so maybe another one speaks more closely to what interests you. Whatever you pick, we're rooting for you to go out there and have a giving back kind of weekend!
+ United Way
Photos: (Facebook)
United Way has locations all over the country, and it has three main goals: education, income, and health. That means it's all about improving education, helping people achieve financial independence, and promoting healthy lifestyles. There are all different kinds of ways you can get involved, like volunteering at a school to help kids read or sharing a story about a teacher who changed your life for the better.
+ Habitat for Humanity
Photos: (Facebook)
Habitat for Humanity is best-known for building homes for people in need, and if you're 16 or older, you can grab a hammer and join in. Not good with hammer and nails? Not 16 yet? No prob: there are other ways you can get involved, and Habitat even has a section dedicated to young people's involvement.
+ ASPCA
Photos: (Facebook)
If you're an animal lover, then the ASPCA should be your new BFF. You can do things like adopt a pet or donate money, but there are other ways to get involved, too. If you already have pets, make sure they're spayed or neutered, or help friends find low-cost ways to fix their animals. Report animal cruelty if you see it and remember, by helping out, you can help pets go into Cinderella mode and live happily ever after
+ Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Photos: (Facebook)
If you want to help out the future of America A.K.A. kids, then you check out the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. They're involved with all sorts of programs, from education and career programs to character and leadership programs to arts programs to sports programs. Phew! Maybe you're a talented artist who wants to volunteer with an art program, or a college student who would like to mentor someone younger. Whatever your passions, there's a club for you!
+ HRC
Photos: (Getty)
There are lots of different human rights groups you can get involved in, and the Human Rights Campaign concentrates on LGBT rights. Whether you're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or an ally, you're welcome to take part in different opportunities available. Maybe you can attend an HRC event or do volunteer work in your area (search by state!). HRC's also got a totally cool section dedicated to youth and campus help and activism. No matter what your age, there are ways you can get involved with HRC and these other orgs!
