Athens MLK Day of Service

The 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The Athens MLK Day of Service is an annual celebration in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and commitment to service. In 1994, Congress made the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday an official day of service. Athens, Georgia is one of the thousands of cities across the United States that decided to make this "A Day On and Not a Day Off." 

MLK Banner 2016
Project Safe MLK Day 2018
West Broad MLK Day 2018
2019 Kickoff

Call for Project Sites

A call for volunteer project sites for the 2023 MLK Day of Service opens on October 24, 2022, with the application closing on November 11. Complete the online project application to be considered for an MLK Day of Service project site.

The steering committee is looking for hands-on, meaningful service projects that can be conducted safely and will make a tangible impact on our community. Examples of past projects include: daffodil plantings along the 10-Loop, garden workdays, cemetery clean-ups, invasive species removal, litter clean-ups, painting projects, and trail clearing/beautification.

If you have any questions about site eligibility or the application process, email athensgamlkday@gmail.com. 

Volunteer Registration

Check back later this year for 2023 volunteer registration information. 

Kickoff Celebration

The annual MLK Day of Service kickoff will take place Monday, January 16, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. at the Clarke Central High School gym. Volunteers will enjoy morning refreshments, a performance by local choral group Athens Voices of Truth, and inspirational words by keynote speaker Rev. James Kendrick of East Friendship Baptist Church. The first 200 attendees will receive a t-shirt.

Social Media

Stay connected with us! Follow the Athens MLK Day of Service on Facebook and Instagram.

Athens MLK Day of Service Planning Partners

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government • Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services • Athens-Clarke County Inclusion Office • Athens-Clarke County Police Department • Athens Community Council on Aging • Athens Housing Authority •  Athens Land Trust • Better Communities Collaborative  •   Clarke County School District  • DAP Athens - Graphics + Printing + Signage • •  Heyward Allen Cadillac, GMC, Buick, Toyota  •  Hull Firm, LLC • Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful • Piedmont Athens Regional • UGA Office of Service-Learning • United Way of Northeast Georgia

2023 Athens MLK Day of Service Sponsors

If you would like to support the Athens MLK Day of Service with a monetary or in-kind donation, please complete the attached sponsorship forms and mail them to:

Athens Land Trust (C/O: MLK Day of Service)

685 N. Pope St.

Athens, GA 30601

MLK aerial crop
Athens Area Homeless Shelter MLK Day Volunteers 2019

Other MLK Day Events

2023 MLK Day Freedom Breakfast

Check back for details.

2023 MLK Day Parade and Music Festival

Monday, January 16 from noon to 5:00 PM. The music fest portion begins at noon, with the parade at 3:00 PM.