YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'' – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The year was 1957, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was speaking to an audience in Montgomery, Alabama. He challenged the people who had come to see him speak to consider their impact on their communities, on the lives of those around them. Today, the United States celebrates Dr. King’s dedication to volunteerism through the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the only federal holiday designed as a national day of service.

Across the country, volunteer opportunities are popping up in countless arenas: schools, churches, community centers and more. Combined with the efforts of those around you, your involvement on Monday, January 17, can impact individuals far beyond yourself. That sort of change in our communities would bring Dr. King great joy, but the change doesn’t have to end with a single day.

If you’re looking to maximize your impact, consider volunteering through a year-round or seasonal program. The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has volunteer opportunities throughout our programs that allow volunteers to connect with our mission through their individual passions.

As a youth sports coach, you are not only teaching fundamentals to youth participants, you become a role model in their lives. You can create a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for them to explore sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and flag football. If you’ve ever played a sport yourself, you understand just how much there is to learn from the game. Consider coaching with the Y as a way to pass that love on to the next generation of athletes.

The Military Welcome Center allows volunteers the opportunity to serve the men and women of our military. Tucked in the heart of the Will Rogers World Airport, the Military Welcome Center provides traveling military personnel, active and retired, a place to rest and relax. Volunteers can help create a welcoming environment for those individuals, whether they are waiting on a flight or headed to their first day of Basic Training.

Togetherhood®, the Y’s member-led community service program, focuses on neighbors helping neighbors. Teams identify and address needs within their communities. Members can give back and support their neighbors through their own ideas, skills, and energy with the support of the Y.

The Y is committed to providing members an opportunity to take an active role in our community building efforts. Together, we can build a better us.

To learn more about volunteering with the Y, visit ymcaokc.org/volunteer.

Written by Laura Wolf, lwolf@ymcaokc.org