We Are Challenging Rossers to Demonstrate Their Commitment to the Ideals of Dr. King

By: The Michigan Ross Student Community

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a National Day of Service honoring the work and legacy of an American civil rights leader. MLK once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the MLK Day to serve their neighbors and communities.

So let's honor this day!

In partnership with Food Gatherers, an Ann Arbor-based food rescue and food bank program, a group of Ross student groups have come together to challenge Rossers to demonstrate their commitment to the ideals of Dr. King.

Our goal is to get every member of the Ross community to commit to at least one action for MLK Day.

There are many ways to serve on MLK Day and we encourage you to act in a way that most resonates with you. We’ve selected the following options as suggested ways for the Ross community to honor the day:

1. LEARN: U-M's MLK Symposium is one of the largest celebrations of the life and legacy of MLK sponsored by a university. Attend one of the many amazing MLK Day events hosted by the university. See here for a full list and here for a curated list. This year's keynote speakers are Insecure's Issa Rae and Democracy Now's Amy Goodman. During and after attending an event, engage on social media using the hashtag #UMichMLKDay2017.
   ​
2. EXPERIENCE: Participate in a SNAP challenge to get a better sense of what life is like for the 45 million Americans who receive food stamp allowance.
   
   Do this by living on a $5/per day budget for food (Michigan's average food stamp allowance is $4.23) for a few days. Post a photo of your experience on social media, tag @FoodGatherers and @MichiganRoss, and hashtag #MLKDay #SNAPchallenge #RossServes.
    
3. SERVE: Volunteer to work a 2-hour shift at Food Gatherers (9-11am on either 1/17, 1/18, or 1/19). Post a photo of your experience on social media, tag @FoodGatherers and @MichiganRoss, and hashtag #MLKDay #RossServes

How to sign up:

Stop by the table in the Winter Garden from 10am-2pm on Wed 1/11 through Fri 1/13 to sign up and show your commitment! Members of ServiceCorps (a Ross group of students who previously served their country through extended, immersive community service) will be sharing details of the options and giving out stickers to everyone who signs up.

Abroad this term?

No need to worry! You can still LEARN, EXPERIENCE, or SERVE in some way that can honor the life and legacy of MLK. Email Ariana Almas or Ian Robinson to receive details of the SNAP challenge or with any questions.

Yours in service,

ServiceCorps, MBA Program Office, BBSA, HBSA, MBW, Net Impact, OFB, SGA, and the DEI Committee