Day of Service
June 14, 2026
Organize service projects or volunteer for a local cause in your community.
June 14 (Flag Day) has been designated as a statewide Day of Service as part of America’s 250th in Washington State. The Day of Service is about volunteering where you live. Communities around the state can participate by identifying a project that is meaningful to them and encouraging all community members and organizations to participate. Projects can be big or small. They can be specific to your community or part of a larger national volunteering effort. They can be one individual, a small group, or a whole town. The most important point is to volunteer in some way during 2026 and let us know about it.
Project Ideas
- Volunteer with your local history museum to help preserve and share your community's story
- Clean up a local park or nearby trail
- Collect food, diapers, hygiene products, or school supplies for a donation drive (be sure to ask what supplies the receiving organization needs most)
- Offer to plan a special activity for a senior center such as an art project, story hour, or game night
- Volunteer for a shift at your local animal shelter
- Support a local nonprofit with fundraising, serve on their board, put on a public program, or contribute other special skills you may have
- Work with your local tree or urban forest foundation to plant trees
Serve Washington is our state’s service commission and designated AmeriCorps administrator:
Find even more ideas from national service partners on the America Gives website.
FAQs
Do we have to volunteer on June 14?
June 14 is recommended to support a sense of statewide unity, but you can choose any date in 2026 that works for you and your community. The important thing is to participate.
Who can participate?
Everyone. This initiative is open to anyone in Washington State. You can volunteer alone or as part of a group.
What types of service projects count?
Anything that benefits your community. Projects can range from cleaning up parks to helping at your local history museum. We’ve got some suggestions or you can come up with your own ideas.
Can I organize my own project?
Absolutely. Organizing your own project is a great way to serve your community. Pick a cause, gather a team, and get started.
What if I already volunteer or my community already has a Day of Service?
Great! Use America’s 250th to boost your existing activities and invite more people to join. Be sure to track your time volunteering throughout 2026.
Can I include my service event on Washington’s statewide calendar of 250 events?
The calendar is limited to postings from organizations that have signed up as official America250 partners, but don’t let that stop you from getting the word out in your community.
Do I need to sign up or register?
No, but we are asking participants to track their hours and report them through the national America Gives program.
What if I’ve never volunteered before?
No problem! The Day of Service is a perfect time to get started. Choose something small, ask a friend to join, or partner with an organization that supports new volunteers. Every contribution helps.
National Initiatives
Washington State’s Day of Service is connected to two major national efforts to highlight and promote service as an important community value during America’s 250th
Create a “Museum of Service” for your community
In addition to volunteer projects, communities are encouraged to create a “museum of service” as part of an initiative created by the National Museum and Center for Service to help highlight the enduring American spirit of service.
The concept is simple. A community museum of service identifies local people or groups dedicated to serving others, and finds public spaces (libraries, businesses, museums, community centers, etc.) where posters can be hung to recognize them.
Communities around the state can create lasting local exhibits that celebrate the spirit of service.
The NMCS has developed a detailed toolkit to help communities create their own museum of service.
Be Part of the Largest National Service Effort in American History
Washington State’s Day of Service is part of a national initiative called America Gives which is focused on reinvigorating a national year-round culture of service in the United States.
As America approaches its Semiquincentennial, the national America250 committee hopes to build on America’s legacy of giving back to the community. America Gives will focus on three key pillars: charitable giving, volunteering, and public service, including military service.
The United States has a rich history of service, from Benjamin Franklin’s first volunteer fire brigade in the 1700s, to the founding of organizations like the American Red Cross in 1881, to the creation of the Peace Corps in 1961.
It is hoped that through this effort, the country will create a lasting legacy of service for generations to come.
Become a Partner
Has your organization signed up to be an America’s 250th partner in Washington State? Local partners are key to ensuring all Washingtonians are able to participate in the 250th and any non-profit organization can participate.
