MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 2017 IN MONTANA
Absorbing the lessons |
Wide eyes. Pointed fingers. Smiling faces. Enthusiastic hands coloring pictures and writing poems. Mouths agape and fumbling for words to formulate questions. These were the expressions and experiences of thousands of kindergarten through 4th grade students all over Montana during Montana Campus Compact’s Martin Luther King Jr. 2017 Read for Peace event. Read for Peace is an annual MLK service Day operation that utilizes the wonderful help of community volunteers, VISTAs, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members, college students and elected officials to read to elementary age students about the message, life, and legacy of Martin Luther King. Already in its 5thyear of existence, Read for Peace continues to be an outstanding resource for important civil right discussions in early childhood education.
Missoula Mayor Jon Engen with students at Russell Elementary |
Reflections
“Each year I truly look forward to this service project! It is so uplifting to see a child’s unbiased perceptions on peace and love. The students all give their full attention to the book and they take the activity very seriously (while still having FUN) because they know the importance of the issue.
Reflections on peace |
Read for Peace showcases higher education’s commitment to community involvement and engages Campus Compact’s student and community networks. As this year’s organizer, I am proud of how this project connects young, developing students with thoughtful adults and how that commingling of ages benefits the lives and hearts of volunteers, students and teachers alike. Thank you to all of our volunteers around the state and to our many teachers who were gracious enough to allow us time with their students. Finally, I’d like to thank all the kids who participated in discussions concerning inclusion, difference and peace. May you all continue to reflect on these moments of as you grow and participate in your communities.