Clackamas County Government: 3 Ways To Make A Positive Impact This Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Oregon City OR

13 January, 2022

9:36 AM

Description

Press release from the Clackamas County Government: 1/12/2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most influential Black leaders in American history. A key figure in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. King made a profound impact that reverberates to this day.   This time of recognition is especially important as our society navigates ongoing challenges around race, bringing us all an opportunity to give back, learn and grow.  As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you may be wondering how to honor the holiday in a way that is meaningful. Here are some ideas for how you can make Jan. 17 more than just a day off work. Give back "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." Dr. King is widely remembered for his commitment to serving others. You can honor that spirit of service by getting out and making a difference in your community.  Whether it's cleaning up waterways, helping rescue dogs, or supporting older adults, there's something for everyone when it comes to volunteer opportunities in Clackamas County.  Another way to give back is to serve on a county advisory board or commission. There are currently open recruitments for several exciting opportunities! Below are additional resources for justice-minded organizations to support. Please note this list is not meant to be comprehensive, but a starting point. Culturally specific nonprofits Looking for a volunteer activity the day of? Join your neighbors on Jan. 17 in pulling invasive ivy and repairing the trail at Homewood Park in Milwaukie. Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine  Los Niños Cuentan  Bridging Cultures  Red Lodge Transition Services  LO for Love  Clackamas Community Prosperity Collaborative  Diversity, equity and inclusion groups Hispanic Interagency Network Team  Estacada STAND UP Movement  Sandy STAND UP Movement  Respond to Racism  West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community  Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community  Unite Oregon City  Gladstone Alliance for Racial Justice  Clackamas Showing Up for Racial Justice  Educate yourself "Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education." Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to look at the entire range of the racial justice movement. As recent events show, the fight for racial justice is far from over. Learning about our country's history – particularly from those with lived experience – helps us better understand how we got to where we are today. This occasion challenges us to go deeper as we reflect on what has been accomplished and consider what work remains. Here are some ways to learn about the history of the civil rights movement and how it continues to influence our society as we know it. Did you know? Dr. King came to Oregon in 1961 to talk about Eliminating the Barriers to Equal Opportunity. In 2022, we are still trying to solve this challenge. Learn about Dr. King's perspective by reading his words. Explore books written by him, his family and other Black leaders. Watch Dr. King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech. Watch "Eyes on the Prize" documentary series, which examines the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. Listen to the gospel protest song, "We Shall Overcome."  Engage in conversation "It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people." Use your voice to help create a more equitable world by having important conversations with loved ones and members of your community. We can share and expand on our own learning by bringing others into dialogue. Dr. King and other civil rights leaders showed us that we cannot make a difference if we shy away from difficult conversations.  Need ideas for sparking the conversation? Choose an item (or more!) on the educational list above and host a gathering to watch, listen and read together. Afterward, reflect on what you learned or felt and discuss as a group. As Dr. King, said, "Power is the ability to achieve purpose and effect change." Each of us has the ability to create a world that is fair and just. This journey starts within as we learn and grow, and its benefits can be seen collectively in communities that are healthy and thriving.  Dr. King is widely remembered for his commitment to serving others. You can honor that spirit of service by getting out and making a difference in your community.  Whether it's cleaning up waterways, helping rescue dogs, or supporting older adults, there's something for everyone when it comes to volunteer opportunities in Clackamas County.  Another way to give back is to serve on a county advisory board or commission. There are currently open recruitments for several exciting opportunities! Below are additional resources for justice-minded organizations to support. Please note this list is not meant to be comprehensive, but a starting point. Culturally specific nonprofits Culturally specific nonprofits Did you know? CMap Contact the County Report a Hazard Civil Rights, Equity, and Workforce Character Employee Directory Commissioner Mark Shull   Sheriff Angela Brandenburg Treasurer Brian Nava This press release was produced by the Clackamas County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.