What Are You Doing for Others?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is often associated with his I Have a Dream speech made on August 28, 1963. This was an iconic moment that elevated the platform for civil rights throughout America.

Dr. King's legacy and contributions went far beyond a speech, though. He was well known for his dedication to service and community development. He lived his life in service to the highest and noblest principles through nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.

There is a way for all of us to walk this same walk – through service. As Martin Luther King Jr. observed, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a way of answering this question and fulfilling the mission of the holiday: empowering individuals, strengthening communities, bridging barriers, creating solutions to social problems, and moving us closer to Dr. King's vision of a beloved community.

When I think about community, I think about a sense of shared purpose, commitment and responsibility for one another.  Community symbolizes a recognition of differences as a quality that makes us stronger and more resilient. It reinforces the knowledge that everyone has a critical role to play in the success of the team and the values that drive our actions.

The Ingersoll Rand Black Employee Network (BEN) recognizes the MLK holiday as A Day On, Not a Day Off: Celebrating through Service. The BEN encourages all employees to observe this holiday by engaging in civic, community and/or service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy – whether it's a thoughtful gesture for a co-worker, volunteering or sponsoring a workplace event. These acts of service are central to our Ingersoll Rand values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Courage.

Sincerely,

Ray Pittard
President, Transport Solutions North America and EMEA
Executive Sponsor, Black Employee Network