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Volunteer
Honoring the Spirit of MLK Day Through Inclusive Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service — a day to move beyond reflection and into collective action. At The Arc of Oklahoma, we honor this spirit by creating inclusive volunteer opportunities that strengthen communities while ensuring everyone has a place to contribute.
Inclusive service recognizes that people of all abilities have gifts to share. It centers dignity, belonging, and shared responsibility for one another, values that align deeply with Dr. King’s vision of justice and community.
What Is Inclusive Volunteering?
Volunteering is an essential part of community life. Every day, Oklahomans give their time and energy to make a difference. Inclusive volunteering means ensuring that everyone, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has meaningful opportunities to serve and contribute.
Oklahomans with IDD can and do give back to their communities in many ways. The Arc of Oklahoma partners with individuals, organizations, and companies to create volunteer opportunities that are welcoming, accessible, and grounded in mutual respect.
Our Partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
The Arc of Oklahoma partners year-round with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma to create inclusive volunteer opportunities that address food insecurity while fostering community connection. Through this partnership, volunteers of all abilities support food sorting, packing, and distribution efforts that help ensure families across our region have access to nutritious food.
This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, service, and meeting essential community needs. Volunteers may engage through scheduled service days, special projects, or seasonal initiatives throughout the year.
Get Involved!
Whether you’re interested in volunteering individually, as a family, or as part of a workplace team, we invite you to join us.
If you have questions or would like to explore additional ways to participate, please contact:
Tonia Gist
📧 tgist@thearcok.org
📞 918-922-9205
EVENT
MLK Inclusive Volunteer Community Kickoff & Volunteer Open House
📅 Monday, January 19
🕛 12:00–3:00 pm (come and go)
📍 The Office
5401 S Harvard Ave
Tulsa, OK 74135
This event kicks off The Arc of Oklahoma’s MLK Day of Service volunteer cycle and is open to anyone interested in inclusive volunteer opportunities. Stop by to learn more about volunteering, complete volunteer registration, and attend a brief orientation introducing upcoming service opportunities supported through our MLK grant and year-round partnerships.
This event also marks the conclusion of our MLK Food Drive in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The food drive runs from December 16 through January 19. If you’re able, you’re welcome to bring food donations with you to drop off during the event. Participation looks different for everyone, and all forms of support are valued.
