On September 11, 2001 Americans (and the world) lived through an unthinkable tragedy. Eight years later, thanks to the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, 9/11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This presidential designation will ensure that Americans will forever be reminded of the unity, compassion and hope in the days following those horrific acts, as we come together to give back to our communities and honor the ordinary heroes who make significant sacrifices every day.
Since First Lady Michelle Obama announced the United We Serve campaign at the annual volunteering and service conference in July, we have joined with millions of Americans to answer the President’s call for meaningful service that helps address our nation’s most pressing challenges. From interfaith volunteers cleaning up waterways, to federal employees rebuilding community structures in New Orleans to Major League Baseballers putting down bats and picking up brooms, United We Serve has engaged and inspired millions to serve this summer and all year round.
At the Case Foundation we’ve been proud to serve in projects throughout the summer and to use our web presence and collective voices to repeatedly encourage our grantees and friends to answer the call to service. We even reached out to the more than 12,000 people who submitted commitments to us to “be the change” as part of a service campaign we launched to coincide with the inauguration of President Obama. And, if the fact that more than 90% of them upheld their original commitments (as shown in a recent survey) is any indication, we know we can count on their continued dedication!
We’re excited to keep the momentum of United We Serve alive and strong. That’s why we’re pleased to announce in October the Case Foundation will partner with Venture Philanthropy Partners to host a free in-person training for DC nonprofits on the effective use of new technologies and citizen-centered approaches to reach new audiences and raise new friends and new dollars online. Afterwards, our team of program specialists, interactive technologists, web developers, and marketing and communication gurus will engage in pro bono consulting projects to help nonprofits transform what they learn into specific strategies and initiatives. Additionally, as a long-time supporter of City Year Washington, DC and Venture Philanthropy Partners, our team will continue to pick up paint brushes, open books, provide strategic advice and push brooms to make our community a better place to live, learn, work and play.
Today, the President, cabinet secretaries, mayors, celebrities, athletes and everyday citizens will pause to reflect on the incredible sacrifices and incredible strength shown since 9/11 as they lend a hand to communities in need. Some of my colleagues and I are looking forward to serving at a DC elementary school with our friends at City Year Washington, DC. We encourage you to join us—to give back to the neighborhoods and neighborhood institutions that give so much to us and our families each and every day. Here’s how you can help:
- Remember and Serve on 9/11: This September 11, we encourage you to remember the victims and heroes of 9/11 and honor their memory by serving in your community. Visit www.Serve.gov or www.MyGoodDeed.org to find and create service opportunities on 9/11 and all year long.
- Recruit New Volunteers: Spread the word and ask five new volunteers (friends, family, faith group members, colleagues, book club attendees, etc) to pledge to serve with you today and throughout the year. Use this letter from the President and First Lady to help inspire others to action.
- Connect with your neighbors and take action: Making every voice count and achieving lasting change in your community starts with conversations and ends with action. Follow our six simple steps to connect with others, discuss what matters most, decide what kind of community you want and take action together!
- Become a fan of Serve.gov on Facebook.
- Follow Serve.gov on Twitter and tweet about how you will remember and serve this 9/11.
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Fearless Focus: Harris Wofford, Peace Corps Co-founder
