Educating Each Generation for Democracy

By John Glenn & Marian Wright Edelman

Last month, thousands of Americans honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the National King Day of Service. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and unity took wing through his pledge to serve others. He believed that service is the hallmark of a full life. He also knew that service is a great equalizer in which people from all backgrounds come together to address important public issues.

Inspired by King’s vision, participants in the national day of service came together to teach literacy skills, rehabilitate housing, and serve meals to the hungry and homebound, to name just a few examples. For many, particularly young people, the King holiday was their first opportunity to experience the power of service: working for the common good to make the world a better place to live.

We encourage all Americans to build on the National King Day of Service by engaging in the public work of their communities and participating in our democratic system. Educating our youths for citizenship is our most important public work. We must purposefully nurture the value of service and civic engagement in each generation if our country is to be caring and just. This fundamental ideal depends on a well-informed citizenry that understands the importance of engagement in...