Global Kids Chronicles | January 2026 Recap
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Dear Global Kids Community,
January was a month of purpose and action at Global Kids. Across New York City and Washington, D.C., our students led with intention – learning through experience, strengthening community, and turning reflection into meaningful impact.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, young people brought Dr. King’s legacy to life through public service projects, youth-led workshops, and school-based initiatives. Guided by his belief that justice requires courage, outreach, and community, students connected history to real-world impact while building their own leadership skills.
From organizing a citywide food drive and assembling care packages to engaging with civic leaders and changemakers, students found powerful ways to give back and lead with purpose.
We invite you to read on and learn more about how our students made a difference in their communities!
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Community Engagement and Learning
Throughout January, Global Kids students put Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings into practice through a series of service-focused initiatives spanning New York City and Washington, D.C. Inspired by Dr. King’s call for bravery, collective responsibility, and sustained commitment, students took part in special projects, youth-led workshops, and school-based experiences that linked history to present-day challenges. Through career conversations and hands-on service, young people demonstrated leadership rooted in intention and care.
Across our sites, students marked the month in meaningful and inspiring ways:
College & Career Exploration at Global Kids HQ: Youth leaders from across New York City gathered for a powerful day of career exploration and dialogue at Global Kids HQ. Through panel discussions, mock interviews, and small group conversations, students explored career pathways and built connections with peers and professionals. Panelists–including U.S. diplomat and Foreign Service Officer Calvin Hayes–shared insights into public service and career trajectories, helping students envision their futures with confidence and purpose.
Citywide Canned Food Drive with New York Common Pantry: In partnership with New York Common Pantry, students across elementary and middle school program sites organized a citywide food drive, exceeding their 1,000-item goal. The initiative supported families during the winter months while offering students a hands-on lesson in civic responsibility and the power of collective action.
Service Learning at Bronxdale High School: Students volunteered at The Albanian American Open Hand Pantry, packaging and distributing food to community members. Joined by their Principal, Dr. White, students demonstrated leadership, compassion, and the importance of showing up for one another.
Office of Neighborhood Safety Youth Leadership Council: Youth leaders explored the role of service in strengthening individuals and communities during moments of transition. Through guided discussion and reflection, participants examined the role of collective care, then put their learning into action by assembling care packages for residents returning home through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Re-Entry Program.
Civic Learning with the Council on Foreign Relations: In partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations, GK Washington, D.C. students took part in its Daughters and Sons series, hearing from Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, as he discussed responding to humanitarian crises around the world. Moderated by journalist Margaret Brennan, the conversation helped make global challenges tangible and relevant, reinforcing the power of community work across the world. Students felt inspired from this experience to hear directly from and interact with Chef Andrés.
Together, these moments served as a powerful reminder that honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy means continuing his work. Through action rooted in empathy, mentorship, and community, Global Kids students underscored that young people are not just learning about justice, they are actively advancing it.
Upcoming Events
Global Kids Annual Benefit – June 2, 2026
Save the date for the Global Kids Annual Benefit on June 2, 2026, an evening supporting our mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth to become engaged global citizens and leaders.
GET INVOLVED
Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) Volunteer Mentors needed!
GK is in need of passionate volunteers to serve as mentors in support of GK youth as part of our Young Men's Initiative (YMI) in partnership with the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD).
This group-based mentoring program supports high school–aged young men as they build confidence, leadership skills, and concrete plans for their future. As a mentor, you’ll help guide students through conversations and activities centered on social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, financial literacy, global citizenship, and creative self-expression.
Mentors must be 21+ years old; mentors of ANY gender are welcome!
What does mentoring look like?
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You don’t need to have any prior teaching or mentoring experience; just a willingness to listen, show up consistently during a formative time in young peoples' lives, and model what it looks like to move through the world with intention and care.
Please email erin.mitchell@globalkids.org with any questions, and visit www.globalkids.org/volunteers for more exciting volunteer opportunities with Global Kids!
