One of the best times to give your skills, talent and time is in a season of unrest or crisis. Our volunteer program is typically all about gathering, hosting events and being out together. Due to COVID, we created digital and socially distant opportunities for people to activate physical change that they can see, and complete hands-on work with passionate people who shared a common goal.

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this month. Now more than ever, action feels better than anxiety. Here are some activities you can do with your family to promote community, kindness, and equity:

1. In honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday we are reminded that Dr. King stressed the importance of education for all children in all communities. Take a moment to show how much we support the work our teachers are doing by writing a note of thanks.

2. January is National Mentoring Month. Sign up to be a Vello volunteer or help support our Vello Install Support Hotline to help families with the installation of their Vello home bot.

3. New Year, new habits. Learn more about recycling and supporting sustainability efforts in your community, and check out Phoenix Public Works - Education and Outreach. Make a goal to reduce your carbon footprint as a family for 2021.

4. Decorate Kindness Rocks. Add sayings that MLK championed, like “Dream,” “Equality” and “Peace” to share and populate your neighborhood.

5. Watch Martin Luther King - I Have A Dream Speech with your family and talk about the dream Dr. King had for all people.

6. January 11^th kicks off Letter Writing Week. Participate by writing letters to isolated seniors. You can add some cheer to someone’s day.

7. Decorate reusable grocery bags and fill them with their favorite non-perishable food items. Feeding America offers a Food Bank locator, searchable by zip code, where you can safely drop off your donations.

8. Make "Peace Crafts" to celebrate unity and kindness. Place around your home or mail to family and loved ones.

9. Watch adocumentary about systemic issues affecting our communities. Here are some suggestions: * Waiting for Superman * A Place at the Table * No Small Matter * 13^th

10. Explore virtual exhibitions and learn more about the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

11. Join a Virtual MLK March in conjunction with ASU West Campus on Tuesday, Jan 19.

12. Sign up to play the Compassion Games MLK 40 Days of Peace challenge and turn your compassion into action to build a more peaceful, sustainable and healthy community.

13. Share a love of reading with our young people by populating libraries with books that promote literature that reflects our diverse landscape.

We activate unique ways for volunteers to support the community remotely. While physical volunteers will always be in demand, the digital shift has made virtual volunteer positions plentiful. If you or someone you know is interested in helping activate change for those in need, please visit vsuw.org/volunteer for more information or to sign up.

>>> Download volunteer flyer HERE