FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep 09, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC—Across the nation, Americans will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by joining in patriotic acts of volunteer service as part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, commonly known as 9/11 Day.

AmeriCorps encourages all Americans to honor the memory of September 11 and recapture the spirit of unity that swept the nation in the aftermath of 9/11 while paying tribute to those lost, heroic first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe.

“The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 is a day of action – turning a day of tragedy into a day good,” said Mal Coles, AmeriCorps Acting CEO. “Wherever you are at this moment, you can help. Join us in honoring this day through service – find a volunteer project near you, contribute an act of good, or make a pledge to serve in the future.”

Americans in all 50 states will participate in projects that include delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, and building homes. Volunteers will also recruit mentors, provide services for veterans and military families, and help citizens improve their financial literacy skills. Despite the pandemic, communities are finding ways to serve safely on 9/11 Day.

Service event highlights:

  • 911Day.org, AmeriCorps and community and corporate volunteers will serve together in large-scale meal packing projects in Boston, New York City, Washington, DC, Atlanta, St. Louis, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Meals will be donated to local organizations that address food insecurity.
  • Carry The Load, AmeriCorps, Partnership for Public Service, VA Voluntary Service, RallyPoint, Hunter Seven and community volunteers will participate in cleanup and remembrance projects at Veterans Administration National Cemeteries.
  • The City of St. Cloud, Minn. is coordinating AmeriCorps Seniors programs for a Day of Service to recognize and support first responders. Volunteers will be preparing, packaging and delivering cookies, care baskets and cards. Register online.

New this year, AmeriCorps has partnered with VolunteerMatch to create a robust search tool to host and share volunteer opportunities from around the country. In addition to opportunities through AmeriCorps and VolunteerMatch, users will find service roles from Idealist, California Volunteers, JustServe, MENTOR, and Volunteer.gov.

Other ways for you to get involved:

  • On 9/11 Day, pledge to serve with a local nonprofit or organization you’re passionate about throughout the year.
  • Find service opportunities using the newly launched volunteer search tool.
  • Organize your own service event using AmeriCorps resources.

September 11th was designated a National Day of Service by Congress in 2009 and is led by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service. AmeriCorps partners with 911Day.org, the nonprofit that, along with 9/11 families, began the 9/11 Day observance more than a decade ago, and engages hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses nationwide.