(Continuing the policy of promoting diaries from officeholders and officeseekers. Some text moved subfolda to conserve real estate on the FP. – promoted by kestrel9000)

For over a decade, our nation has honored Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and participated in community service.  I have my own reasons.  My father risked his life fighting for civil rights down South, and was sentenced to jail for two years where he was assigned to a prison chain gain and went on hunger strikes to protest being thrown into solitary confinement without cause.   So on MLK day, I feel as if I am honoring both my father and Dr. King by making sure I take time to help others in my community.

Today, many Vermonters are struggling.  Nonprofit organizations who support low-income Vermonters, provide retraining to the unemployed, and give support to children are stretched beyond thin.  The populations they serve are growing at the same time that their revenue sources are cutting back on philanthropic giving.  Worse, those that get public funding are learning about massive reductions in the coming year.  

Fortunately, serving others is a strong Vermont tradition. When I was the head of AmeriCorps*VISTA, I learned that Vermont had more Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and VISTA alumni per capita than any other state. “Why?” I was asked.  “What is it about Vermont that makes it, “The Service State?”

My answer: we understand at a fundamental level the importance of community, particularly during hard times.  This might explain why we have such strong volunteer support for our nonprofits; why Green Up Day so quickly became a state tradition; and why we are known throughout the world as a leader in social entrepreneurship.

But this is not a recent phenomenon. As Calvin Coolidge wrote in his most famous speech about the state of his birth:

“I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, Her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who have almost beggared themselves  to serve others.”

Those of us in public life have a particular obligation to lead by example.

As Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to come together on this national day of service and show the country how, once again, the small state of Vermont can lead a nation.

This Monday, I hope Vermonters will join me as we give back to the State we love.  Under the leadership of the “VISTA Mayor” Peter Clavelle, Burlington’s CEDO became a national model for public private partnerships that support a broad spectrum of nonprofit organizations to strengthen a city.  I will be joining the CEDO activities in Burlington, but you can find projects near you at http://vtcncs.vermont.gov/MLKDay

Martin Luther King and my father knew that their sacrifices were more than just about voting and sitting in the front of a bus.  They were about finding the passion in all of us to ensure all people are empowered to succeed. If there was ever a state that could achieve this dream, it would be the service state of Vermont.

Please also remember those in Haiti who are enduring some horrific problems. While most of us can’t be there in person, giving to organizations that can will make a big difference at this time and is also a superb way to celebrate Dr. King’s live. As MLK famously said, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” To find a relief organization click here: Crises Response Page.