Join the Einstein MLK Service Challenge!
Strength in numbers—that is the concept behind the Martin Luther King Day of Service, when all Americans are called to step up and volunteer to improve their communities however they can. While Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, by many it’s considered a day on, not a day off.”
![To honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, take part in the MLK Service Challenge!]()
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, take part in the MLK Service Challenge!
This year the observance of Martin Luther King Day falls on Monday, January 16, 2023. As in the past, through community service work, the College of Medicine will join organizations and individuals nationwide in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of nonviolence and human rights.
From January 16 through January 22, the office of diversity and inclusion (D&I) is connecting students, faculty, and staff to opportunities to serve the Bronx community and beyond through our MLK Service Challenge. It is especially important this year to share our time, energy, and spirit with those around us in need as our nation continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paid Time Off Available
For employees who volunteer their time during the designated week, the human resources department is offering two hours of paid time off, whether your contribution is through Einstein or another volunteer organization of your choice.
While you can volunteer throughout the week for as many hours as you wish, we're happy to provide employees with this paid time toward their goodwill efforts,” said Yvonne Ramirez, vice president of human resources.
Service Opportunities
Einstein has coordinated with four local organizations to provide MLK Service opportunities:
- Project BRAVO Food Pantry
- Food Justice and Medicine (FJAM) Bronx Grocery Delivery
- Homeless Outreach Project at Einstein (HOPE)
- Empowering Bronx Youth (Niño de la Caridad Foundation)
Opportunity 1: Project BRAVO Food Pantry. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help organize and shelve food items, package groceries, distribute packaged meals, groceries, and personal protective equipment to community members, and conduct health screenings with community members.
Opportunity 2: FJAM Bronx Grocery Delivery. Volunteers making deliveries will meet on campus to collect groceries and depart for deliveries. Groceries will be packaged for specific community members. Transportation will not be provided. You can register for a Zipcar here. Please note that delivery of groceries may take 1.5 to 3 hours.
Opportunity 3: Homeless Outreach Project at Einstein (HOPE). Volunteers will assist with a homeless outreach event run by Immanuel Cares Global. You will be providing health screening and basic medical checkups, including blood pressure screenings, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C tests, general harm reduction, wound care, and health education. Transportation will be organized.
Opportunity 4: Empowering Bronx Youth with Niño de la Caridad Foundation. Volunteers will help organize clothing, call families, assist with homework, and offer support with youth workshops. Volunteers may also assist with a volunteer opportunity such as cleaning up a park or serving hot meals to families.
For more information, including dates/times available to volunteer your time and how to sign up, please visit the Einstein MLK Service Challenge page. You may engage in volunteer opportunities outside of Einstein's offerings as well and can find such activities on the AmeriCorps website. The deadline to register is Friday, January 6.
For important guidelines on photography during your volunteer activity, please review Einstein’s photo consent form, which should be used to get consent from anyone who is not a member of the Einstein Montefiore community (i.e., individuals who are not staff, faculty, postdocs, or students).
While taking photos, focus on yourself and other volunteers. Also, be sure to check with the organization with which you volunteer about any policy they may have. Do not photograph individuals without their consent. When posting on social media, feel free to use the hashtag #EinsteinMedMLKDay.
Service Challenge Winners
You are encouraged to log your hours through January 27, 2023. Two individuals and the top department, club, or group completing the most service hours between January 16 and 22, 2023, will receive a prize,” noted Fanta Sissoko. Check out our 2022 MLK Service Challenge winners and volunteers here.
Service Reflection Event
As a follow-up to the MLK Service Challenge, on Tuesday, January 31, from 11:00 a.m. to noon, Einstein will host a virtual reflection” Zoom so that members of our campus community can share their service experiences.
Posted on: Wednesday, January 04, 2023