Students and faculty from the UALR School of Social Work have organized a Day of Service to give back to the surrounding community on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The project, now in its third year, is coordinated by the student group the Master of Social Work Organization. Anyone who is interested is invited to participate. The group will meet at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the Big Lots Parking Lot near Regions Bank located on South University Avenue. Members will then carpool to site locations in the University District.

“Too often we hear about the violence, theft, and negative events that plague the University District. MSWO would like to show that there are individuals who are striving to spread positive energy and make a positive change in the community,” said Rosalyn Wilson, president of the student organization.

This year the group will volunteer from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Lions World Services for the Blind, Shepherd’s Hope and Barnabas House of the Oak Forest United Methodist Church.

The department recognizes the benefit the project will have on students pursuing careers in social work but encourages students from all majors to get involved in the community project.

“This activity provides a venue to operationalize some of the core values and principles of our profession while emphasizing that we work with, not for, individuals and communities towards the improvement of their quality of life.” said Tara Dejohn, the faculty adviser for the Master of Social Work Organization.

“Participating in community service projects such as the MLK Day of Service offers students the opportunity to expand their understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness that exists in our world.”

To participate in the 2013 Day of Service, contact Rosalyn Wilson via email at rmwilson@ualr.edu or show up at the meeting location Monday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 a.m.