Volunteer Iowa, AmeriCorps, and the Governor’s Office encourage you to take part in a Day of Service to serve and help your community.
Choose to participate in the one or two that best reflect your mission, or be a part of all of them! Use the links to download our Days of Service resources to help you develop a successful volunteer project benefiting those in need in your community while honoring a National Day of Service.
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (Third Monday of January)
The third Monday in January was designated as an annual federal holiday and National Day of Service by Congress. This day is to bring attention to real needs affecting our local communities. The slogan is “Make it a day ON, not a day off!” mlkday.gov
March
AmeriCorps Week (Mid-March)
AmeriCorps Week provides the perfect opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on AmeriCorps and to motivate more Americans to serve. Individuals and organizations with a special interest in AmeriCorps—especially members, programs, and alums—are encouraged to use their creativity to mark the week in any way they see fit. nationalservice.gov
April
National Volunteer Week (Second or third full week in April)
A nationwide initiative to recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers. pointsoflight.org
Global Youth Service Day (Three-day period during National Volunteer Week in April)
Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign, which celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. On Global Youth Service Day, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based groups, businesses, and governments. Global Youth Service Day | Youth Service America (ysa.org)
September
September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11)
A national movement successfully established 9/11 as a national day of kindness, service, and reflection to encourage volunteering, helping others in need, or doing something good for your community. 911day.org
October
Make A Difference Day (Fourth Saturday in October)
Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. nationaltoday.com/make-a-difference-day/
November
Family Volunteer Day (Saturday just prior to Thanksgiving)
A Day of Service is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to “kick off” the holiday season with giving and volunteering. Family Volunteer Day demonstrates and celebrates the power of families who volunteer together, supporting their neighborhoods, communities, and the world. pointsoflight.org