8 Ways to Recognize MLK Day of Service at Your Company

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is more than just a federal holiday—it’s an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together in the spirit of community and service, honoring Dr. King’s legacy by making a tangible difference.

For companies, MLK Day of Service offers a chance to foster a culture of giving back while promoting team-building and civic engagement. In this blog, we’ll explore why MLK Day of Service is significant and share actionable ways your organization can meaningfully celebrate it.

What is the MLK Day of Service?

Established in 1994, MLK Day of Service encourages Americans to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and unity by engaging in community service. Rather than treating the day as a “day off,” it’s positioned as a “day on” for volunteering and activism. 

MLK Day of Service is observed on the third Monday of every month. In 2025, MLK Day of Service will be on Monday, January 20. 

The MLK Day of Service is also observed as part of the calendar for National Mentoring Month every January, which aims to spotlight the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Mentorship, after all, embodies Dr. King’s ideals of empowering others and creating a ripple effect of positive change. Including MLK Day in the National Mentoring Month calendar emphasizes that mentorship is itself an act of service—a way to uplift individuals and communities alike. 

Other dates on the National Mentoring Month calendar include I Am a Mentor Day, International Mentoring Day, and Thank Your Mentor Day.

(By the way—we’re celebrating National Mentoring Month throughout the month of January with free, live events—and you’re invited! Join us for expert panels and fireside chants designed to help you drive learning, retention, and engagement at your organization through mentorship programs. Register now.) 

Why should companies recognize MLK Day of Service? 

Companies that observe MLK Day of Service demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, employee engagement, and community impact. Here’s why your organization should participate:

1. Reinforce core values: Celebrating MLK Day allows companies to align their actions with values such as equity, inclusion, and service.
2. Foster employee engagement: Opportunities for service boost morale, foster teamwork, and enhance employees’ sense of purpose.
3. Build community connections: Participating in local service projects strengthens relationships between your organization and the community.
4. Promote diversity and inclusion: Honoring Dr. King’s legacy underscores your company’s commitment to creating a more equitable workplace and society. 

Ways to recognize MLK Day of Service at your company

Though MLK Day is a national holiday, you can take time to observe it on the week leading up to or the week of the holiday. Some organizations may choose to offer flexible hours or paid time off for volunteering to make participation even easier. 

Here are creative and impactful ways your organization can honor MLK Day of Service. 

1. Organize a day of service project

Lead by example by organizing volunteer activities for your employees. Choose projects that align with Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and opportunity. This might include partnering with local shelters to serve meals, collaborating with schools to mentor students, or volunteering at food backs to support underserved populations. 

Alternatively, you could empower employees to take the lead in planning MLK activities by forming a volunteer committee to plan and organize service events, or providing a budget or resources to employees who want to lead their own initiatives. 

2. Host a company-wide mentorship drive

Incorporate MLK Day into your workplace mentoring program. Encourage employees to serve as mentors within the organization or in the community. You could launch an internal reverse mentoring initiative to promote knowledge sharing across generations and roles, or share success stories from existing mentorship relationships to inspire employees to get involved. 

3. Facilitate learning and reflection

Dr. King’s legacy provides a rich opportunity for education and personal growth. Use MLK Day as a time to deepen employees’ understanding of his life and mission. Consider hosting a virtual or in-person screening of Dr. King’s speeches or documentaries about the civil rights movement. Organize a book club or discussion group around work like Letter from Birmingham Jail. Alternatively, you could invite guest speakers, such as civil rights activists or local leaders, to share their insights and experiences. 

4. Celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion

Dr. King’s legacy is a reminder of the importance of fostering diverse, inclusive environments. Use MLK Day to strengthen your company’s DEI initiatives. Host workshops or training sessions on unconscious bias or inclusive leadership, spotlight employee resource groups (ERGs) and their contributions to the workplace, or share success stories of how diversity has enriched your organization’s culture and outcomes. 

5. Engage in community partnerships

Deepen your company’s connection to the community by collaborating with local organizations on MLK Day of Service initiatives. Partner with schools, libraries, or community centers to host events or programs, or build long-term partnerships with nonprofits that align with your company’s mission.

6. Host an MLK Day celebration

Recognize the day with an event that celebrates Dr. King’s life and legacy while inspiring action. This might look like organizing a “service fair” where employees can learn about volunteer opportunities, or sharing a keynote address from a prominent community leader. 

7. Promote employee stories of service

Highlight employees who actively give back to their communities. Sharing these stories can inspire others and celebrate your organization’s collective impact. Some ideas include: creating a blog series or video campaign featuring employee volunteers, sharing stories on internal channels or social media using the hashtag #MLKDayofService, or recognizing outstanding contributions with awards or public acknowledgements. 

8. Build a year-round commitment to service

Honor Dr. King’s legacy by making service an ongoing priority, not just a one-day or one-week event. You could launch a company-wide “service challenge” where teams log volunteer hours throughout the year. Or you could integrate service projects into onboarding or team-building activities. Make sure you are regularly evaluating and expanding your company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives. 

Get started recognizing MLK Day of Service at your company

Recognizing MLK Day of Service at your company is more than observing a holiday—it’s a chance to honor Dr. King’s legacy by fostering a culture of service, equity, and community engagement. By organizing impactful activities, encouraging reflection, and empowering employees to give back, your organization can make a meaningful difference while strengthening team bonds. Let this day serve as a catalyst for year-round commitment to service, embodying the spirit of Dr. King’s enduring vision.

Looking for more inspiration on how to celebrate National Mentoring Month at your organization? We’re hosting live events all January long featuring industry experts and thought leaders. We’ll be diving into the latest trends, real-world success stories, and actionable strategies for impactful mentorship programs. Register now to build your network and gain access to expert resources!