Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged people to take an active role in addressing issues of public concern.

His mission of civic engagement is shared by the YWCA.

The YWCA in Butler is honoring King and calling on people to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Elizabeth Short, executive director of the YWCA in Butler, said the organization decided to host a Martin Luther King Jr. event after not having one for the past several years.

“It's very aligned with our mission. The YWCA's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. His ideals are obviously aligned with what we do today and our work for social justice,” Short said. “He called people to civic engagement.”

She said the YWCA is also calling people to civic engagement this year by encouraging people to vote and participate in the census.

“The census affects over $675 billion in funding from the government and apportionment. We want an accurate count, so we get our full share of funding for child care, roads and school programs,” Short said.

This year's keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Belinda Richardson, vice president for academic affairs at Butler County Community College and a member of the YWCA board of directors.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Friday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.

What: Martin Luther King Jr. BreakfastWhen: 8 to 9:30 a.m. MondayWhere: Butler YWCA, 120 Cunningham St.Cost: $15INFORMATION: Call 724-287-5709