For 25 years, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service has connected students with local organizations to give back to the greater Knoxville community during MLK Jr. Days of Service. The multi-week service event works to recognize the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to community, bringing together Volunteers to serve locally. With a variety of community partners, students have the ability to connect with organizations they are passionate about while reflecting on the meaning of Dr. King’s legacy.
“The event first started in 2001, and we are excited to be in the 25th year of helping Volunteers engage in commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” says Natalie Frankel, associate director of the Jones Center. “Over the years, the event has shifted and ultimately this year it will span across an entire month. One of the most important reasons for a longer format is to ensure the Jones Center and UT as a whole are prioritizing and meeting the needs of community organizations.”
The event first started in 2001, and we are excited to be in the 25th year of helping Volunteers engage in commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Natalie Frankel
Associate Director of the Jones Center
A crucial aspect of the Jones Center’s approach to service is relying on an understanding of community needs identified by trusted organizations. The Jones Center’s goal is to utilize the knowledge and expertise of those trusted organizations and work alongside them to explore how Volunteers can help address those needs. The center then strives to connect students to the organizations’ work, ideally bridging the area of need with students’ career interests, creating a mutually beneficial model of service.
Throughout the month, the Jones Center will also be hosting community partner organizations on campus so students have a chance to interact with them directly and learn about their missions.
Registration opens on January 19 through the ServeUTK platform for volunteer time slots during the month-long 2026 MLK Days of Service.
The Jones Center is also planning a wrap-up celebration on Friday, February 27 from 2-4 p.m. in Student Union ballrooms A and B in partnership with the Office for Campus Culture and Community. The drop-in event will include snacks and activities for participants as well as opportunities to reflect on their service experiences and connect with additional community partners.
Find more information on the Jones Center website and sign up for volunteer time slots during the 2026 MLK Days of Service.