Stacey Gillette
Each year we take a day to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his profound impact on the world. There are many reasons why Dr. King deserves this great honor. He challenged people to think and act differently. He recognized that we are all connected and that the health of a community depends on how much we nurture and respect one another and the world around us. He spread a message of love, forgiveness, humility and service to those less fortunate. He embodied what we call the spirit of aloha. And ultimately, he sacrificed his life for what he believed.
The seed Dr. King planted more than 50 years ago continues to grow in and around us when we reach out to help others. As Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Monday is a day to answer that question by participating in the MLK Day of Service (www.mlkday.gov). There are many worthy community efforts on Kauai you can help support, including Keiki to Career Kauai.
Keiki to Career Kauai was launched in August 2013 under Kauai Planning and Action Alliance in response to the community’s desire for young people to be healthy, competent, confident and caring. The initiative brings together parents, schools and more than 25 community organizations, including businesses, community programs and civic groups, to help young people be ready to learn and ready for life.
Activities are organized in four different focus areas: Birth to Grade 3, Resilience and Life Skills, High School to Postsecondary Opportunities, and Parent, Ohana and Community Engagement. Together the four focus areas help create a strong channel or auwai of services and supports for young people along their journey to adulthood.
Each area has a group of community partners and volunteers who support projects that help strengthen the auwai, especially during important transition points, like entering kindergarten, graduating high school, completing college or technical training, and entering a career. You can learn more about Keiki to Career Kauai and how to get involved in a focus area group at www.keikitocareer.org or by contacting me at stacey@kauainetwork.org or 482-4425
Whatever project you choose to support this year, your act of service carries on the legacy of Dr. King and strengthens the Kauai community.
• Stacey Gillette, coordinator, Kauai Planning & Action Alliance, 2959 Umi Street, Suite 201, Lihue, HI 96766 (808) 482-4425
