January 2026
MLK Day is a Federally-designated National Day of Service, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of social justice and the building of community through neighbor helping neighbor. This year, MLK Day is on January 19.
Celebrated across the national service spectrum, AmeriCorps members across the nation take this opportunity to promote altruism and community engagement through volunteering. This can look like a member-led volunteer event removing invasive weeds or litter clean-up at a beach; or, simpler options like a book drive, coat drive or food drive for local schools or food banks. Start planning now! Even if your normal service site is closed for the holiday, WSC and WRC members are expected to serve on this Day of Service.
This is also a great opportunity for sites and members to educate their community about the value of AmeriCorps, and how member service is helping their neighbors in need and making lasting change right next door.
If you'll be hosting an event that could use volunteers, let us know and we'll share it on our MLK Day of Service webpage (or, check out this page or Volunteer Connect if you're looking for a project to help with).
 Member Evaluations Due
Site staff, for your members who started service in September through November, their first performance evaluation is due by January 31.
Not only is this a review of skills and accomplishments to date, it is an opportunity for you both to check in on their professional development goals for the remainder of their term. Use our professional development plan and Life After AmeriCorps planning checklist to help with this.
Best practice: Ask your member to complete a self-evaluation prior to meeting with them and compare your evaluations together.
Join our Lunch & Learn on January 7 at 11:30 a.m. for more tips on providing a constructive evaluation for your members.
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Members, for living allowance payments for hours served in a WSC or WRC position in 2025, your W2 tax form will be mailed out by the end of January to the last known address we have on file for you (it will come from WA State Employment Security Department).
If your mailing address has changed, or if you don't receive your form by the end of the month, please email us at wscmail@esd.wa.gov.
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Do people in your life ask about AmeriCorps? Do you wish more people knew about the great things AmeriCorps is doing? Check out our new one-page AmeriCorps Conversation Guide. We’ve pulled together our best tips for sharing the impact of AmeriCorps service for members, organizations, and communities.
 This month, we're highlighting a story of service from Adyson P., illustrating how a seemingly small moment can go a long way in building community.
"My name is Adyson, I am an AmeriCorps member serving at the Lopez Island Food Share and the Lopez Island Farm Education (L.I.F.E.) Garden Program through Washington Service Corps. Whether it is at the food share or the school, my service is centered around food distribution and education. Every Wednesday, the food share opens its doors and welcomes the community in. At least 100 people come during the four hours we are open to pick up dried goods, dairy products, meat and vegetable protein, fresh vegetables, and more. By giving out food, we are able to help decrease food insecurity in our community. Additionally, fueled by our limited hours, the food share creates a place for people to interact.
Recently, I was serving community members when a question came up about using delicata squash. Recipes were shared amongst the individuals standing nearby and everyone walked away with a handful of delicata squash and some new ideas on how to eat it.
It’s heartwarming to be a part of these moments and to watch the community, from the paid staff to the volunteers and the farm and individual donors, put on such an important program. I am excited for what is to come in the rest of my term."
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