What F and M Students Need to Know about Volunteering on MLK Day

Every third Monday in January, the United States celebrates the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) through MLK Day. MLK Day is a federal holiday observed as a national day of public service. The purpose of a national day of service is to give back to your community. Many students choose to celebrate MLK day by volunteering in their neighborhood.

As an F or M student, you can volunteer, but you must make sure you are maintaining your student status by complying with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.
F or M students may volunteer under the following conditions:

• You do not receive any form of taxable income from your volunteer activity.
• If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may only work there with appropriate work authorization.

If you have any questions about volunteering, talk to your designated school official before serving.
Have you volunteered in your community while maintaining your F or M student status? Share your story with us on Facebook and Twitter.