REALIZING A FUTURE SHAPED BY LOVE, COMPASSION AND KINDNESS – ONE HOUR OF SERVICE AT A TIME

A powerful movement to uplift and transform communities in America and the world

Realize the Dream was born from the belief in the power of service to not just help others but to also build understanding, empathy and unity between people and communities. It’s a bold call to perform 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's birth and a rallying cry for us all to make a difference through acts of love, compassion and goodwill.

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100 MILLION HOURS OF SERVICE BY THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING's BIRTHday

Watch, listen, be inspired

Yolanda Renée King
Speaks at the United Nations

Commemorating the victims of the transatlantic slave trade

Realize the
Dream and the NFL

Martin, Arndrea and Yoland kick off this amazing initiative

Empowering Schools

Free resources are available to educators and students

What is Realize the Dream?

The Kings speak about what the movement means to them

HOW REALIZE THE DREAM BENEFITS COMMUNITIES

$2.9B*
Social value of collective 100M hours of service
2M+
Educators supported with free resources
7M
Students impacted in underfunded schools and districts
500+
NGOs and their causes supported
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*Source: Value of Volunteer Time report – Independent sector, with the Do Good Institute – estimated value of a volunteer hour at $30.

New for 2025: Inspired by the movement, an exciting book and podcast

Your guide to a more fulfilling future!

Written by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and legacy architects Marc and Craig Kielburger in conjunction with Realize the Dream, What Is My Legacy? kicks off an essential conversation on how we can achieve fulfillment – and collective change.  

MORE ABOUT BOOKS

A weekly dose of inspiration

Hosted by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger and Craig Kielburger, the My Legacy podcast and syndicated radio show series explores what it means to create and live a legacy through the experiences of notable guests.

Start your journey here

READY TO HELP REALIZE THE DREAM?

1

Volunteer

Points of Light’s digital volunteer hub helps you find and share ways to do good in your communities. Search by key area of interest, geography or both and get connected to opportunities near you!

VOLUNTEER HERE

2

Track your hours

Whether you’ve already been volunteering or just getting started, make every hour count towards realizing the dream of making our communities stronger and kinder - not just at home but around the world!

TRACK YOUR HOURS

Martin Sheen on the importance of Realize the Dream

In 1965, Martin stood on a stage in New York City, sharing the spotlight with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Though they never exchanged words, the encounter left an indelible mark. Dr. King’s unwavering message of non-violence and hope for what he called The Beloved Community has guided Martin’s journey ever since.

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In the news

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Put the power of service into action. Don’t forget to track your hours!

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