The movement to encourage volunteerism on MLK Jr. Day grows every year, and this year the newly-elected first family is leading the charge.

If you're looking for a way to get involved in Michiana, check our local volunteer opportunities page. You'll find both ongoing and one-time opportunities there. I would suggest calling an organization you're interested in and asking what you can do for them next week. There are also some local opportunities organized specifically for the service day through USAService.

Marketing guru Seth Godin came up with 18 creative ways to make a difference, if you're interested in doing something beyond the one-time volunteer effort. If you're reading this, you probably have the skills to take on many of these ideas, and most of them would work around your schedule.

Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee to anyone who pledges to do 5 hours of volunteer work next week. You might remember they tried offering free coffee to anyone who voted on election day but had to call it off due to some legal issues with rewarding people to vote. I think this promotion will work out better for them.

So many opportunities, and a free cup of coffee awaits you once you are finished. It's a great time to get involved--contact me if you want more suggestions.