University of Central Missouri MLK Collegiate Challenge: A Day On, Not A Day Off January 19, 2009

The MLK Collegiate Challenge was a day of service projects ….but with a twist.

For the Challenge, groups were determined on a random basis and were assigned a service challenge in a random fashion.

With a basic instruction and a final goal, the challenge resided with the group. Each group brainstormed ways in which their project would be completed.

Teams gathered resources to achieve their goal, supplemented by “seed money,” and worked together through the completion of the project.

All “challenge” projects allowed participating non-profit agencies to expand or improve their abilities to help those they serve.

Incorporated throughout the day’s events, including the orientation and closing event, was the reflection and integration of the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As a result….. 66 student volunteers participated in this event Students committed more than 550 hours of service on MLK Day. All students took the “MLK Non-violence Pledge.” More than half of the students pledged an additional 50 hours of community service.

66 student volunteers participated in this event

Students committed more than 550 hours of service on MLK Day.

All students took the “MLK Non-violence Pledge.”

More than half of the students pledged an additional 50 hours of community service.

UCM obtained the following Grants: -Missouri Campus Compact (external grant) -Phi Kappa Phi (internal grant)

-Missouri Campus Compact

(external grant)

-Phi Kappa Phi (internal grant)

Community Sponsors:

Group Photos

Johnson County H.E.L.P (Homelessness Eliminated by Loving People) Group Boston : Dr. King received his Doctorate in Theology from Boston University in 1955.

Community Clothes Closet Group Memphis : Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968.

Johnson County Sheltered Workshop (Recycling) Group Atlanta : Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929

Johnson County Sheltered Workshop (Thrift Store) Group Detroit : In 1963 Dr. King lead 125,000 people on a freedom walk.

Survival House Group Jamaica : In 1967 Dr. King writes his book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

West-Central Independent Living Solutions (WILS) Group India : Studied non-violence philosophy of Gandhi

Warrensburg Manor Group Washington, D.C : Delivered his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream”

Habitat for Humanity Group Norway : In 1964 Dr. King received the Noble Peace Prize.

Veterans Home Group Italy : Dr. King had an audience with Pope Paul VI

Salvation Army Group Montgomery : Dr. King led the 2 year Montgomery Bus Boycott- instrumental in helping to end segregation.

Reflection Projects

Its never to late to be great in YOUR neighborhood!!!!!!! “ Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

“ Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr