Considering the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a day of service on Jan. 18 is perhaps the only way to show respect for the magnitude of his life and work.

Dr. King, the late civil rights leader, was known as a "drum major for justice" for leading the charge for equal rights for African Americans in the 1950s and ‘60s. Thanks to his service, Americans were freed from the divisions and legalized separation of races. We all witness and live the impact of his vision and inspiration every single day.

We also know that the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is not complete. There is more to be done to strenthen our communities. The Boys & Girls Clubs Movement celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a day to be active and engaged in our communities, modeled after the works of Dr. King.

Dr. King taught us that through nonviolence and service to others the problems of society such as poverty, inequality and injustice could be overcome.

In recent years, thousands of Club members have fed the elderly and homeless, repaired homes, cleaned public spaces, stocked food pantries and more. The Camp Zama Youth Center in Japan collected rice in their effort to feed the homeless. And the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark, N.J. put on a play to illustrate the life of Dr. King.

What can you do? It’s a "Day On, Not a Day Off" as the slogan for the holiday reminds us. Even in the face of an economic downturn, there is a sense of renewed community spirit and desire to help others across the country.

What will you do this year to celebrate? Be Great by serving and helping others on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Jan. 18!

Also, be sure to register your Club's activity on BGCA's Online Community (ask your advisors how).