UM-Flint Prepares for 2010 MLK Observance

Would you trade a day of service for a one day pass to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park? That will be an option available to those who volunteer at various sites around Flint during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday January 18.

This year, UM-Flint is partnering with the Hands on Network and Disney to encourage volunteerism. When you sign up to volunteer (and your service is completed and verified) you will get a one day admission pass free.

A number of activities have been planned for the observance. A special Mix It Up @ Lunch will be held on Tuesday, January 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is designed for individuals to reach beyond their comfort zone and get to know someone different.

The film Citizen King will be presented in the Loving Cultural center, Room 243 UCEN, on Wednesday January 13, from noon -2:30 p.m. The film brings a fresh insight to King's life, his leadership and his impact.

On Thursday, January 14, the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at the Sarvis Center. The annual dinner celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King. This year's keynote address will be delivered by UM-Flint alumnus Judge Archie Hayman, Chief Judge for the 7th District Court. Tickets are $30, with proceeds supporting the Dr. King Scholarship Fund.

A Stop the Violence Rally is planned for Friday, January 15 at 6 p.m. in the KIVA. "Heal the Community, Save the Dream" will feature Dr. Marc Lamont, who is one of the leading hip-hop generation intellectuals in the country. The night of music, spoken word, poetry and inspiration will challenge youth to find solutions to end violence in our communities.

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will begin with the 4th Annual Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Flint Mentoring Breakfast in the Michigan Rooms from 9-11 a.m.

The annual blood drive will be held in the Happenings Room from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

This year volunteers can select from a list of nine organizations where they can donate their day of service. The list can be found at: http://www.umflint.edu/studentlife/mlkday/index.htm

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, please call Diversity Education Services at (810) 762-3169 or the Office of Student Life at (810) 762-3431.