Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through service to communities

 

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

This was the question posed to an audience by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during his 1957 speech in Montgomery, Ala. Throughout his life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., challenged people to step outside of themselves and learn more about one another — ultimately fostering a world of connection, no matter a person’s race, demographic or socioeconomic status. His work had sweeping impacts across the nation and continues to shape our world today, most notably our approach to inclusion and diversity. 

At Unum Group, we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy through our commitment to equality and fairness, both in the work we do as a business and through our service to our communities. Our purpose as an organization is to be there for the working world throughout life’s moments — this commitment doesn’t stop at the end of the business day. We weave service into the fabric of our culture and find ourselves posing the very same question that Dr. King asked over 60 years ago: what are we doing for others? 

Each January, Unum Group celebrates Dr. King’s life through its annual Week of Service. Through this effort, we support organizations that strengthen our communities by giving individuals and families what they need to thrive. This week kicks off a year-long effort by employees to get involved in their communities in ways that are most meaningful to them. 

For example, last year Unum Group came together in support of one of Dr. King’s lesser-known endeavors — ensuring fair housing . The company donated $100,000 to Rebuilding Together, a leading nonprofit that provides essential home repairs and revitalizes communities. The gift supported addressing urgent housing challenges in our communities.  Additionally, approximately 26 volunteers from Unum Group worked to repair a home for two families in Smyrna, Ga. 

 

   
In Maine, one of Unum Group’s major employee hubs, the company partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland. Twelve volunteers gathered to help build one of two single-family homes in the City of South Portland for a mother of four and another family of five. 

 

 

In the year to come, employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer efforts throughout the country — furthering Dr. King’s legacy. Unum Group will also continue to support these crucial efforts through its inclusive and diverse Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio. 

Unum Group is closed on Monday, January 15th in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, with the goal of giving employees the opportunity to utilize the day off as a day of community service.

To learn more about Unum Group’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, visit: https://www.unumgroup.com/inclusion-diversity.