During the past few years, we have gone through a long stretch of political onslaught in the media and many folks experience a great deal of stress and anxiety about the impact on their lives under the incoming administration and the significance of Monday, January 20th.
While this January 20th is certainly an important day in our country’s political protocols, the date itself marks an even greater commemoration of one of the nation’s most impactful civil rights heroes and role models. For whatever it is worth, here are my thoughts about making January 20th, Martin Luther King Day, a day of service, promoting peace and healing.
You can:
— sign up for a day of service to shelters, the elderly, hospitals, veterans, cleanup;
— attend a MLK Celebration, or any event that promotes peace and service to others;
— simply make a donation online to food banks, animal shelters, third world service organizations, the ACLU, and other civil rights or environmental organizations;
— reach out to folks you haven’t been in touch with; write letters of encouragement; call a lonely person; check on a neighbor; write a short greeting card to say thank you to someone; Facetime loved ones across the globe;
— be creative; bring beauty into a day of darkness and anxiety; paint, create poetry or music; give special care to your plants; read inspirational material; meditate or pray for peace;
— spend time with young folks and talk to them about the importance of service and values like honor, accountability, and ethics; read to them about the heroism and goodness of so many wonderful role models in history; or
— if you must turn on the tube on Monday, tune into programs that have redeeming qualities; inspire you; educate you; make you laugh; and, most importantly, make you want to watch more of these programs.
Every small gesture on this day will count to storm the Universe with kindness and positive energy. We may be powerless against the evil and disasters we are facing in the world, but we can uphold and promote the bonds of good, right here. Make January 20th count!
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.