The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force Committee is seeking nominations for the 2009 MLK Youth Community Service Award. The 1st annual award seeks to recognize youth who exemplify the qualities of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering in their community.
Nominees must be active in community service and reside or attend school in Southfield or Lathrup Village. Youth must be between the ages of 12-15; 16-18; or 19-21, with 10 awards given to each age group. Nominees should also have: demonstrated courage, compassion, leadership and/or service; engaged in social action and advocacy for the cause of peace and justice; served the needs of humanity through demonstrated efforts in the community; and shown leadership qualities in his/her school, church or community.
To nominate someone, submit an essay (in 300 words or less) stating why you nominate the individual for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Community Service Award. All submissions must include the name, address and telephone number of both the person nominating and the person being nominated. Nominations may be mailed to Patricia Wiley, 19875 W. 12 Mile #303, Southfield, MI 48076. All nominations are due by Friday, December 26, 2008.
The city of Southfield was the first city in the state of Michigan to hold a Dr. King peace walk or march. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Southfield took place on January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr. King’s birthday. The walk continues to grow in size and scope each year with year-long educational and community activities. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers committed to advancing the principles and ideals of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2009 MLK Peace Walk will take place on Monday, January 19 beginning at Hope United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m., followed by a program at the Southfield Pavilion at 11 a.m.
For more information, call Patricia Wiley, MLK Community Service Award Chair, at (248) 866-8428.
2009 MLK Youth Community Service Award Nomination Form (pdf)