National Days of Service are certain days of the year, designated either by the U.S. Congress or a service organization, which aim to inspire individuals across the country to make an impact in their local communities by serving on the same day.
National Days of Service are a great way for you to take part in making a nationwide impact, while serving in your local community.
Since National Days of Service tend to attract a lot of media attention, they are a great way for the American Legion Auxiliary to get positive publicity for our service to veterans and to communities. In addition, National Days of Service might attract individuals who don’t normally serve, including ALA members with busy work and child caring schedules. National Days of Service are alsogreat opportunities for ALA units and members to introduce community members to the Auxiliary.
The ALA suggested Days of Service are as follows:
*Congressionally Designated Day of Service*
Date: September 11 (annually)
Purpose:To promote community service as a remembrance of the events of September 11th, 2001
Lead Organization: MyGoodDeed
Web Address: www.911day.org
Sign Up: www.911day.org/volunteer
Resources: www.911day.org
Date: November 11 (annually)
Purpose:To inspire service in our communities in honor and remembrance of our nation’s veterans
Lead Organization:U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Web Address: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday
Sign Up: www.allforgood.org
Resources: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday
Date: Annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving
Purpose: To start the holiday season with giving and service, as well as to recognize the power of families in changing their communities
Lead Organization: Points of Light’s Generation On
Web Address: www.pointsoflight.org
Sign Up: www.allforgood.org
Resources: www.generationon.org
*Congressionally Designated Day of Service*
Date: Annually on the third Monday in January
Purpose: To honor the memory of Dr. King by serving our neighbors and communities; as well as to answer the question: “'What are you doing for others?'"
Lead Organization: Corporation for National and Community Service
Web Address: www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday
Sign Up: www.allforgood.org
Resources: www.nationalservice.gov
Date: Mid April
Purpose:To encourage individuals to seek out ways to help their communities
Lead Organization: Points of Light
Web Address: www.pointsoflight.org
Sign Up: www.pointsoflight.org
Resources: www.pointsoflight.org
