Each January, we pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Best known for his work as a civil rights activist, Dr. King dedicated his life to improving the lives of those in his community and across the nation. 

At the core of his beliefs was an unwavering dedication to helping others.  It is in the spirit of this commitment to serving that we mark each Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a National Day of Service. 

Here in Iowa, we have a longstanding tradition of not only helping our neighbors, but also those who we have not met. In 2011, the Volunteering and Civic Life in America study found that nearly 40 percent of Iowa’s residents volunteer, making us third in the nation.