Dear USDA colleagues,

Next Monday, Jan. 17, we honor and reflect on our commitment and shared history towards advancing civil rights for all Americans as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy and influence. Year-round, and especially during this time, we consider the ways in which we as a nation, an organization and as individuals can be ever-more inclusive and just. At USDA, we dedicate ourselves to advancing our values of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all we do. In our service to each other and the public, we see, hear and value all people and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Notwithstanding how far we’ve come with exploring our history, reconciling our truths and facing inequities and injustices, we recognize the deep and persistent systemic and institutional barriers to equal access throughout our governance systems. 

Our work together over the coming years will ensure the trust of those who work at USDA and those who rely on and seek our programs and services. As stated in our First Friday message this past week, advancing racial justice, equity and opportunity is central to the work ahead. This month we will announce the members of the first-ever USDA Equity Commission. The Equity Commission will provide recommendations to the secretary on policies, programs and actions needed to achieve justice and equity, including strengthening accountability at USDA. This is only one example of the ways in which USDA is helping make significant strides in ensuring the arc of the moral universe continues to bend towards justice.

Dr. King, as well as many other global leaders, emphasized the value of service in leadership, specifically serving in the form of assistance, empowerment and support. As he said, “Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.” This year’s theme, “It Starts with Me,” honors that spirit. 

On Monday, we encourage each of you to consider honoring and celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. through service.  We challenge you to:

• Volunteer
• Serve
• Lead

There is no dispute that the last two years have drastically changed our lives and impacted our relationships. Isolation has forced us to slow down and examine our own priorities, personal goals and desires. It has also shown us the tremendous generosity and compassion our USDA community has—whether through Feds Feeds Families, the Combined Federal Campaign or in everyday actions with one another and our communities. This Monday, as you honor Dr. King’s contributions, we hope you consider serving, volunteering or consider matching your passion with the people’s needs and community initiatives. Here are some suggested organizations to help you get started in your search:

• Despite pandemic restrictions, traditional nonprofit organizations like Feeding America help to collect and distribute meals to millions of families in need through local food pantries and other programs. 
• AmeriCorps will be hosting an official MLK Day of Service, along with other opportunities to serve.  
• Nonprofits such as Teach for America have become more creative by using virtual services in addition to traditional volunteering. 
• Platforms like VolunteerMatch have reinvented traditional volunteering by embracing online practices to make their programs virtual and more safely distanced. 
• The USDA’s Blacks in Government George Washington Carver Chapter recommends volunteering at the Capital Area Food Bank. 

In addition to these, there are innumerable organizations that provide opportunity to improve individual lives and change communities, states, the nation and the world. Find the ones that match your values and passion.

As always, we are grateful for your time and commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive workforce, where everyone is welcomed, supported and valued. We hope you and your loved ones take this opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the importance of community, compassion, empathy and hope. 

Sincerely, 

Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Bronaugh