Indiana University East Hosts First MLK Jr. Day of Service Event
In January 2024, Indiana University East (IUE) took a significant step toward fostering community engagement by hosting its inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service. Supported by a grant from Community-Engaged Alliance, the event brought together students, faculty, and community members in partnership with local organizations to address pressing issues in Richmond, Indiana.
This transformative month of service turned IUE into a center of learning and service like never before. The university connected with partners from various sectors, including Main Street Richmond, senior centers, Parks and Recreation, NATCO Credit Union's Community Empowerment Center (NATCO Empowerment Center), Every Child Can Read, and others. These partnerships allowed IUE students to engage in service projects that truly made a difference in the community. The places served were focused on supporting underserved and underrepresented groups, including families in financial struggles, the unhoused, individuals with disabilities, diverse ethnic and racial groups, and those in the surrounding rural community.
Through these efforts, IUE students and staff were able to directly impact 255 people in partnership with eight community organizations. The event resonated deeply with the students, many of whom expressed their hope for it to become an annual tradition. This MLK Day of Service was part of IUE’s newly launched Spring Semester of Service, beginning with on-campus training focused on poverty issues and service-learning best practices. Students then took part in various service activities on MLK Day, followed by opportunities for reflection. The engagement was not limited to in-person volunteers, as online students also contributed through virtual service projects for non-profit organizations in their local communities.
One of the most exciting outcomes of the day was the growing interest in extending this type of service-learning to more students. As a result of the success, IUE is considering implementing NATCO’s Bridges Out of Poverty training in every First-Year Seminar to better prepare students to serve in the community. Additionally, faculty, staff, and students have shown a strong desire to continue serving and making this MLK event an annual initiative at Indiana University East.
By collaborating with NATCO Credit Union and other community partners, IUE strengthened its commitment to fighting poverty, building a stronger community, and fostering civic-minded students. This event set the stage for a broader, more sustained community engagement effort at IUE. Through this successful first MLK Day of Service, Indiana University East has laid the groundwork for ongoing community engagement and service, empowering students to lead with empathy and make a lasting difference in Richmond and beyond.
Community-Engaged Alliance: Supporting Service and Education
As an organization dedicated to fostering civic and community engagement across Indiana’s higher education campuses, Community-Engaged Alliance supports a wide range of initiatives like IUE’s MLK Day of Service. By providing grants and resources, the alliance empowers campuses to implement meaningful service projects that address local community needs while also fostering leadership and educational growth among students.
MLK Jr. Day of Service Grant - New Cycle Open Now!
Time is ticking! If you're passionate about service and making a difference in your community, apply for the MLK Jr. Day of Service Grants.
The grant deadline is October 18th, 2024 – so make sure you're prepared to apply right away. This is your chance to lead student-driven service projects in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and create a lasting impact.
Apply here: communityengagedalliance.org/community-engagement-grants
Get ready to inspire your campus, strengthen community ties, and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through service.