MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity

MLK Day of Service and Solidarity 2021

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Student Registration Open! Fill out the form below to register.


Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Join us to celebrate MLK Day of Service and Solidarity!

GRAND RIVER ROOM, KIRKHOF CENTER

About MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity

The MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity represents a nationwide initiative where campuses across America join hands to serve and stand in solidarity with their communities, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinated annually by the Office of Student Life - Civic Engagement in conjunction with the MLK Week Executive Planning Committee, this event serves as a beacon of unity and service. This year, our anticipation reached new heights as we collaborated with 15 non-profit organizations in Greater Grand Rapids. Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with these invaluable community allies, championing Dr. King's dream. In the true spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., student volunteers will devote their time to meaningful projects, embodying his vision for a more unified and equitable society. Together, we are translating inspiration into action, harnessing MLK Day as a catalyst for positive change.


MLK Day Of Service Schedule

Activity

Time

Location

Site Leader Check In

7:30 - 8:00 am

Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center 

Participant Check In

8:00 - 8:30 am

Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center 

Event Overview

8:30 - 8:45 am

Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center 

Keynote Speaker

8:45- 9:15 am

Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center 

Buses Depart from GV

9:30 am

Kirkhof Center Bus Stop

Service Project and lunch

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Site Locations 

Buses Depart from Site Locations

1:15 pm

Site Location

Post Service Reflection 

1:15 - 2:00 pm

On the way back to GVSU

MLK Day of Service 2026 Student Registration

This form is for those who are interested in registering to volunteer for MLK Day of Service on January 24, 2026. Below is a list of some potential organizations hosting volunteer sites where we will place you. Please be mindful that spots are limited for each volunteer site and once they are full, we won't be able to put you in that site. We will try our best to place you with your friends/chosen group, so please mention your friends/group name who you want to be placed with while registering. Also know that we cannot guarantee that all members of your group will secure spots in the same activity, as availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids

St. Gianna's No Cost Baby Boutique (Catholic Charities West Michigan)

YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin

Urban Family Ministries

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation

YWCA West Central Michigan

Kent County Park

John Ball Area Neighborhood Association

Bridge Street Ministries

After the Storm

Sylvia's Place

Humane Society of West MI

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

* denotes a required field

Contact Information

Preferences



Site Leader

Site Leaders are an important part of MLK Day of Service as they lead participants through volunteer activities and reflection activities. They also serve as an important point of contact for our site supervisors and our office in the case of any issues or emergencies. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience.


Thank you for your interest in becoming a site leader! We will be in touch with more information soon.

Emergency Contact

Liability Agreements

Are you under 18? *


Behavioral Contract

I understand that as a member of the GVSU community, I will conduct myself in a professional, safe manner during the program and will strive to represent well Grand Valley State University. I understand that this program is a privilege that will be immediately revoked if I violate any of the following standards:

  1. I will travel with my group at all times and will not venture out by myself.
  2. I will arrive on time to all designated travel departures, and I understand I may have to seek alternative transportation at my own expense if I am not present at departure time.
  3. I will abide by all Grand Valley State University policies, conduct rules, and laws of the land at the service location. I understand that any violation of the above standards will cause an immediate trip back to GVSU at my expense.

Travel Release Statement Assumption of Risk and Release for Off Campus Activities

RELEASE EXECUTED by the undersigned to Grand Valley State University, One Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401 IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in a voluntary activity that will involve travel off campus grounds offered through Grand Valley State University, I the undersigned, in full recognition and appreciation of the dangers and hazards inherent to participating in this activity/program to which I may be exposed during my enrollment and/or participation in this activity/program, do hereby agree to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in this activity/program or any independent activities undertaken as an adjunct thereto; and further, I do for myself, my heirs, and personal representative(s) hereby defend, hold harmless, indemnify, and release, and forever discharge and all its officers, agents and employees from and against and all claims, demands, and actions, or causes of action, on account of damage to personal property, or personal injury, or death which may result from my participation, and which result from causes beyond the control of, and without the fault or negligence of Grand Valley State University, its officers, agents, or employees, during the period of my participation as aforesaid.

Do you agree to the above statements? *

Please sign below if you agree.

Human Verification *



Page last modified November 17, 2025