To honor that legacy, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission of the City of Bloomington is seeking applicants for the “A Day On! Not A Day Off” service initiative.
“It’s a great way to get people active in the volunteer world, and the ramifications are that it lasts longer than just a day,” said Michael Shermis, the MLK Commission liaison. “If you get someone volunteering once and they enjoy the experience, they have a tendency to come back again.”
People can apply through Nov. 9 to recieve funding for service and educational activities taking place either on the holiday, Jan. 18, or anytime during the “40 Days of Peace” afterwards.
“Organizations are invited to submit proposals for projects that are dynamic and relevant by combining meaningful service and thoughtful reflection, and that provide volunteers with opportunities for sustained service and ongoing community involvement,” the commission’s website reads.
All projects must meet three main criteria: they must complete necessary projects in the community, begin or occur in significant part on the federal holiday and reflect the life and teaching of MLK.
“One of his big ideals was getting people involved in the community,” Shermis said. “He obviously did a lot of other amazing things. We tell people you can focus on any of his principles: anything from voter registration to freedom issues to race and ethics.”
Previous projects have included children building birdhouses and beehives for the Bloomington Community Orchard and volunteers doing organizational projects for local nonprofits.
Last year, Shermis said they used $29,500 to fund every project submitted.
Funding comes from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County as well as Service for Peace, an international nonprofit.
Projects that involve more than 500 volunteers can receive a maximum of $2,500; projects with fewer than 100 volunteers can receive a maximum of $500. Plans engaging disadvantaged youth, veterans or military families are especially encouraged.
“This year we’re hoping to have a lot more money and get a lot more people involved,” Shermis said.
