September 11th 2001 was a day of unimaginable loss that deeply affected every community in the United States. As we near the ten year anniversary of the attacks, many communities are preparing for a day of remembrance through community service. This idea of marking the anniversary with service is not new, but the concept has been growing in popularity over the past ten years in an effort to make communities stronger through service.
Since the first anniversary of 9/11, victims’ families have been organizing service events as way to remember their loved ones while also looking forward and giving back to grieving communities. The Corporation for National and Community Service has offered grants to help sponsor these days that promote volunteering as a way to remember those who were lost, particularly those first responders who sacrificed everything in the name of service. Because service benefits from the shared efforts of many communities, this effort has been a collaboration with the Hands on Network and the Stop and Remember initiative. Another organization, Action America, has been mobilizing individuals through social networking sites to participate in a service project on 9/11.
Many communities have heard the call to service, and service projects on 9/11 have grown all over the country. St. Louis, Mo. has a list of many types of service activities are available for citizens, everything from flag memorials to leading bingo sessions at local nursing homes. Kalamazoo, Mich. has also developed a local service initiative. The Montana Governor’s office released a list of all the service activities planned for the state and encourages people to get involved.
The anniversary of 9/11 is also an occasion for education. In this spirit, the Newseum in Washington DC will be lifting its entrance fee for Saturday and Sunday to give people the opportunity to see its exhibits on 9/11 and terrorism. Some communities are mirroring this type of educational exhibit in their own way. In Stamford, Conn., for example, the Fairfield Museum and History Center will present a free exhibition called, “Connecticut Responds.” This exhibit will be followed by sharing session in which attendees can reflect together on how life has changed since 9/11.
For more resources on remembrance, service, and growth ten years after 9/11 visits the ICMA links listed below:
The September issue of PM offers several other reflections on the 9/11 anniversary and local government. You can find more here.
For more ideas and information on how to improve community service in your area visit the Knowledge Network links below: