Service and Civic Engagement Opportunities

UPDATE: Due to the weather on January 15th, the King Day of Service has been postponed and will take place on Saturday, Feburary 3 from 10am - 2pm. Transportation from campus and a meal will be provided. UChicago volunteers can learn more and sign up here

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University Community Service Center has developed and sponsored a set of opportunities to bring campus and community together for a variety of events. 

Community Engagement & Service Opportunities:

King Day of Service – On Monday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Sixth Annual King Day of Service, which brings together residents, non-profits, and institutions to support local efforts in the community. The service day, which is convened by Organic Oneness and co-created by the UCSC in partnership with community organizations across Bronzeville, Englewood, and beyond, will focus on beautification and outreach projects at local schools and other community sites.

For those who need it, the UCSC and our campus partners are providing limited transportation service between both the Hyde Park and downtown campuses and the event kick-off location at King High School (4445 S Drexel Blvd.).

Additionally, join the UCSC on Friday, January 19 from 2 - 4pm for special edition of our weekly Afternoon Tea with UCSC program, where we'll dig into the legacy of Dr. King's work in Chicago. Learn more and sign up now. 

The UCSC is also pleased to promote these other ways to engage in service and community for King Day (keep checking back for more opportunities!): 

  • Calling All Alumni: Register for MLK Day of Service Projects - the Alumni Club of Chicago has several service projects available during the weekend of January 13 - 15. Learn more and register now. 
  • My Block, My Hood, My City's MLK Day of Service - join on Monday, January 15 at 10am to help make signs for a future anti-gun violence event. Learn more and register now.
  • Comer Youth Center's MLK Day Brunch - Join on Monday, January 15, 11am - 3pm to celebrate our community and its leaders while remembering the life of a social justice icon who paved the way for many of us today. Learn more and register now. 
  • Hyde Park Arts Center's MLK Day 2024: Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows - Join on Monday, January 15 11am - 3pm to explore the ways that history, leadership, and creativity influence our present days, futures, and beyond. Learn more and register now.

Not able to participate in person? Send us an email and we can help you find something asynchronous or remote that can still make a big impact! 


There are countless other ways for students and members of the UChicago community to engage with the city and the South Side all throughout the year through the work of the UCSC and the Office of Civic Engagement. You can learn more here.