Somerville Hosting MLK Day of Service Youth Workshop and Community Clothing Drive

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is pleased to announce that Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) will host a MLK Day of Service Youth Workshop on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Dojo at SomerNova (15 Properzi Way). The workshop is in partnership with the Somerville Human Rights Commission, The Somerville Center for Teen Empowerment, The Dojo at SomerNova, and the Somerville Education Foundation.

The workshop will offer youth an opportunity to explore Dr. King’s legacy and share their ideas, concerns, and perspectives on ways the Somerville community can further King’s vision. The workshop will include setting an agenda for future work with Somerville-based businesses, non-profits, and City agencies committed to social, racial, and economic justice in Somerville.

RSVPs are not required to attend the workshop. Interested youth ages 14 and up are encouraged to RSVP by contacting RSJ Deputy Director Steven Flythe via email at sflythe@somervillema.gov or via phone at 781-808-7502. Masks will be available on-site.  

“MLK Day is an opportunity to take action and honor Dr. King’s incredible life through acts of service that build towards an equitable society for all,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “I look forward to engaging with Somerville’s youth at the Day of Service Workshop, and encourage everyone to help our unhoused neighbors by donating to our MLK Day Community Clothing Drive.”

“Dr. King committed his life to advocacy and service, and we are thrilled to join our community partners and youth from across Somerville on MLK Day to remember his life and impact through community action,” said RSJ Director Denise Molina Capers. “We also remind everyone that RSJ will host events throughout the upcoming year inviting our neighbors to join the fight to dismantle systemic racism and elevate social justice for everyone.” 

Somerville residents of all ages are invited to share in the spirit of service by donating or volunteering their time to the MLK Day Community Clothing Drive. Donated items will help support our unhoused neighbors. 

Volunteers are needed from 12 to 4 p.m. on January 16, to help collect, sort, and bag donated clothes. Masks will be available. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Community Clothing Drive, please contact RSJ Deputy Director Steven Flythe via email at sflythe@somervillema.gov or via phone at 781-808-7502.

Residents can donate new or gently-used adult-sized blankets, beanies, gloves, socks, and scarves at several sites throughout the city:

• Somerville Armory - 191 Highland Ave.
• Connexion Church - 149 Broadway
• The Dojo at SomerNova - 19 Properzi Way
• Somerville Police Department Headquarters - 220 Washington St.
• Somerville Fire Department  - 651 Somerville Ave  
• Somerville Fire Department  - 6 Newbury Street 

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Adrienne Pomeroy, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.