September 11 National Day of Service

Written by Chelsea Martin, Volunteer Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

This month, people all across the country are taking part in September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance activities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and national service coordinators like HandsOn Network are partnering with organizations like 911day.org, My Good Deed, as well as state and local organizations to help Americans serve, honor, and remember those who served or were lost in the tragedy.

The Michigan Community Service Commission has joined the growing national movement focused on supporting veterans and military families as part of their September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance efforts. With funds granted by HandsOn Network and the Points of Light Foundation, the MCSC is working to coordinate service projects across the state of Michigan between September 8 and September 12, 2011. Projects will incorporate an element of remembrance for the 9/11 tragedy and many will engage military members, veterans, or military families in projects. Partners like Michigan Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps State programs, and local volunteer centers are carrying out service projects like community garden clean-up and house builds in communities across the state.

If you’re interested in creating a September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance project, there is still plenty of time! Visit www.handsonnetwork.org for great project tool kits. To find listings of already existing service projects based on zip code, check out www.911day.org.

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups. It became officially recognized following the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of April 2009.

Also, be sure to check out Michelle bama’s PSA on this National Day of Service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC66p-cStSU&feature=channel_video_title