By Marissa ’26 and Alina ’26

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to remember Dr. King and the impact he had on the Civil Rights Movement. He believed that change happens when people come together to support one another. Community service is one way we can carry on his message —  by helping the communities around us and standing up for what is right. Even small actions can make a difference and help create a fairer world. 

Notre Dame prides itself on being a school centered on community service, with students required to complete a certain number of hours each semester, increasing by grade level. For seniors, however, additional advocacy hours are required. These hours can be completed through writing letters to legislators, interacting with representatives, and other methods that support a specific social justice issue. Some students even chose to complete these hours by traveling to Washington, D.C., where they spoke directly with policy aides for California Representatives Rho Khanna, Zoe Lofgren, and Sam Liccardo, as well as California Senator Adam Schiff, advocating for better environmental and immigration legislation.

Notre Dame’s third hallmark is, “We educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for all creation.” Through direct service and advocacy, ND students continue Dr. King’s legacy by standing up for others and fighting for justice.