Action America Marks 9/11 With Focus on Volunteerism, Community Service

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, represent a significant, emotional touchpoint for all Americans.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of this monumental event in our nation’s history, many people have felt compelled to actively involve themselves in a creative way to ensure that future 9/11 anniversaries turn into days of volunteerism and community service.

To mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Tim Armstrong, chief executive officer of AOL (Patch's parent company), and Kenny Dichter, founder of Marquis Jet, ask citizens to support Action America, a nonprofit organization designed to honor and remember those affected by the tragic events of 9/11, by mobilizing and inspiring individuals, corporations and nonprofits to turn 9/11 into the single largest day of service this country has ever seen.

Action America’s partners include:

• 9/11 Memorial — Learn about the 9/11 Memorial and to plan your trip to visit the memorial. There’s a guide to the nearly 3,000 names inscribed in bronze at the memorial. Also, you can order the memorial’s official book, published by National Geographic, and there is a special section for 9/11 families.
• Wounded Warrior Project — The group notes that “the greatest casualty is being forgotten.” Information on warriors and ways to donate and get involved are noted. The group’s featured campaign, “Believe in Heroes,” calls on Americans "to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by our newest generation of veterans and to honor the service of these individuals between September 11 and November 11.”

Action America’s supporters include:

• New York Says Thank You Foundation — Started in 2003 at the suggestion of a 5-year-old boy and now in its seventh year, the foundation’s mission is to "send volunteers from New York City each year on the 9/11 Anniversary to help rebuild communities around the country affected by disasters.” It is the group’s way “of commemorating the extraordinary love and generosity extended to New Yorkers by Americans from all across the United States in the days, weeks, and months following September 11th."
• 110 Stories — To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, television and stage actors have signed up for a benefit stage reading of Sarah Tuft’s 110 STORIES. According to Tuft, “it’s the human side of history, without politics and agenda, giving voice to those who experienced 9/11 directly.” A love letter to New York City, the play most recently was performed, in 2010, at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, with proceeds going to LA Red Cross for Haiti relief. Net proceeds from the 9/11 anniversary reading will benefit the New York Says Thank You Foundation.

Click here to see a video by Tim Armstrong and Kenny Dichter about Action America and its efforts.

On the Action America site, you can share your 9/11 stories, schedule community service hours to serve, or donate to either the 9/11 Memorial or the Wounded Warriors Project.

As the Solon area gets set to remember 9/11, we will be out in force to cover the moments and the memories that take shape as the anniversary approaches and gets under way.

If there is something you would like to say, or have covered, please send us an email, or post a comment below.