We all remember that devastating day. September 11, 2001, changed all of our lives and this nation forever. Alongside the sadness and heartache, there was a resounding sense of community; of unity. The organizers of the annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day) efforts keep that spirit alive. Last year 33 million Americans dedicated time on 9/11 to helping others, and we think we can make this year’s an even bigger success – with your help.
9/11 Day and GuideStar encourage you to perform good deeds, support charities, and volunteer in tribute to the victims and survivors of 9/11 and all those who rose in service in response to the attacks. Here are four simple ways to get involved:
- Visit http://www.911day.org/and express your support for this inspiring observance. Later, when you have determined what your plans will be (either as a group or individually), return to the site and share your plans with others.
- When you’ve completed your activity, consider posting photos and information on your Facebook page, and through Twitter (use the hashtag #911day or #Iwill). You can also share your own plans for 9/11, what we call an “I Will.”
- Consider planning a good deed, volunteer or charitable service project. There are countless things you can all do together to help, and a service project is a great way to teach others about the importance of setting aside time to help others in your community.
- Contact local community organizations, schools, and faith-based groups to see if they have any service plans for 9/11. Then you can volunteer to help.
Check out 9/11 Day’s free tools and resources – including a toolkit with content that you can use for your own purposes – here http://www.911day.org/tools-and-resources/. You should also watch and share the 9/11 Day video at http://youtu.be/wTghWTJ2Qgg, and PSA at http://youtu.be/R475DTQeG2M. We dare you to keep dry eyes.
Remember, you don’t have to donate a lot of money or take hours of your time to make a difference on this day. Help a child, share a smile, say thanks – any positive act you can do is important. 9/11 Day is about bringing out the best in all of us.
On behalf of everyone at GuideStar, we thank you for being a part of this special day. Please share with us and others in the comments how you plan to get involved this year.
9/11 Memorial volunteer Mark Eisen stands in Times Square for 9/11 Day’s “I Will” campaign. (Photo courtesy 9/11 Day)
