Turner Syndrome Foundation
On January 16th, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is also designated as a national day of service (MLK National Day of Service). Dr. King’s dream was that citizens would work together for a better and more united country that was equitable for all. The dream of the Turner Syndrome Foundation (TSF) is for earlier diagnosis and affordable, comprehensive treatment for all those with Turner Syndrome (TS). TSF strives to achieve this through awareness, advocacy, education, and increased research. It cannot fulfill its mission without acts of service from people like YOU.
MLK National Day of Service
MLK National Day of Service falls on January 16th this year. The motto for the day is “a day ON, not a day off,” and it is designed to be observed with acts of service. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929. As both a Baptist minister and civil rights leader, Dr. King lived a life of service to his community and the nation as a whole. To honor his legacy, this holiday is observed as a national day of service (the other being 9/11).
Organizations like Points of Light, AmeriCorps, and Habitat for Humanity encourage people to celebrate the holiday with acts of community service and have opportunities to serve throughout the year. Many cities and counties also have events or specific acts of service planned out as well, so be sure to check out their calendars of events. Individuals can not only serve the needs of their community, but they can gain skills, make connections, and increase social awareness. Service has many long-term benefits
for the community and the individual. There are many ways to serve, based on your personal situation and interests.
How You Can Serve the TS Community
The TS Community Needs You!
The TS community can use your help and acts of service. Organizations like TSF would not be able to do all it does for the TS community without those who give back with acts of service.
What You Can Do
There are so many ways to be of service and support the TS community, on MLK Day and throughout the whole year! Here are some ideas:
- Start a fundraising campaign that to support TSF’s work.
- Join TSF’s Awareness Committee to help plan and execute activities that promote awareness of TS.
- Join the Advocacy Working Group to help TSF and other TS patients advocate for the TS community
- Share links for TSF’s social media pages on your social media accounts. Use the hashtags provided on the Awareness Month page (see link below).
- Plan to participate in the awareness activities in February in recognition of TS Awareness Month.
- Make a donation to TSF, or encourage others to. You can find information on all the ways to support TSF on its website.
You can also use your unique talents as a volunteer with TSF. There are several opportunities for you to become involved. If you are interested in donating your time and skills to TSF, complete our volunteer application.
How will you spend this day ON to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy?
Sources
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Wikipedia
- MLK Day of Service, AmeriCorps
- MLK Jr. Day of Service, Points of Light
- Read Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in its entirety, NPR (National Public Radio)
- Why Community Service is Important, Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Written by Helen Rhoads, TSF volunteer blog writer, and edited by Susan Herman, TSF Blog Coordinator. Designed by Jasmine Persaud, TSF volunteer blog designer.
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2023
