When we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, on Monday, January 20th, well-deserved accolades will follow this giant of the civil rights movement and champion of social justice. It is a fitting gesture and one that should inspire all of us to emulate him in our own way, however modest.

I would suggest that if we really want to honor Dr. King’s legacy, there is even a more potent and fulfilling way beyond thankful words: Let’s start by engaging our community with a servant’s mindset towards giving back to our communities.

The concept of mentoring is so important that the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service started the campaign to recruit mentors in 2002. Every January, it adds extra emphasis to its effort to find volunteers.

Human trafficking is a scourge throughout our land and, unfortunately, it also occurs in New Jersey. That’s why I’m part of a coalition determined to offer hope and a refuge to victims of this despicable practice.

As a result of our collective efforts, posters (in English and Spanish) will be posted in rest areas on all New Jersey Turnpike bathrooms and on the Garden State Parkway.