Volunteer Opportunities This Martin Luther King Day

COMMUNITY NEWS

In response to President-Elect Barack Obama's call for a national day of service on January 19, 2009—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the day before his Inauguration, Sierra Club has been mobilizing its members and supporters to organize service events around the country. Sierra Club activists are using the opportunity to promote not only community service, but projects that also illustrate how clean energy and efficiency can lead to economic recovery--another important aspect of Obama's vision.

Events range from weatherization installation and training to trail maintenance, park cleanups and light bulb giveaways.

"As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. King and the Inauguration of Barack Obama, we are reminded that America is a nation built on community and service to everyone," said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director. "Right now our nation is facing an almost unprecedented set of challenges. This chance to serve is a reminder that President Obama will need all our help to make real change happen."

Through the Sierra Club website, activists have been getting tips and guides on how to hold a service event and then are directed to the USA Service site to register their plan so the general public and find the event and participate.

The effort has generated dozens of events across the country. A small sampling of events include.

• In Washington, DC, the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance in conjunction with Groundwork Anacostia River, the Earth Conservation Corps and the Environmental Justice Program of the Sierra Club will hold their 3rd Annual MLK Day of National Service Clean-Up of Pope Branch Park and Creek, a tributary of the Anacostia River.

• In Philadelphia, the Cool Cities Program will be training the public in weatherization techniques at Temple University's Liacouras Center, then hands-on work in homes of seniors and disabled residents nearby--coordinated with Global Citizen and the Energy Coordinating Agency.In Columbia, MO The Sierra Club Water Sentinels program and the local Sierra Club Osage Group are partnering with the City of Columbia's Housing Authority and Lowe's to donate energy-saving CFL bulbs to Columbia's inner city residents.

• In Los Angeles, Sierra Club's Building Bridges to the Outdoors, Sierra Student Coalition and the Angeles Chapter will gather at Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park in the heart of South L.A. Youth, family and friends from across the Los Angeles County will enjoy a day of community service and fun outdoor recreation.

• In Miami, FL, Sierra Club's Inner City Outings program is doing a shoreline clean up at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

"We are tremendously proud to answer President Elect Obama's call to honor Dr. Martin Luther King by renewing America and providing care for our communities in the best ways we know how." said Pope.

- Sierra Club

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