Little Rock, AR – Arkansans will join in patriotic acts of service to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks during the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. Volunteers will participate in collaborative service day projects, joining hundreds of thousands of citizens across the country in this American tradition. As part of this year’s day of service, Engage Arkansas (EngageAR) has awarded $6,820 in mini-grant opportunities for national service programs such as AmeriCorps State and National, Senior Corps, and VISTA to implement service day projects.
EngageAR programs hosting service day projects include University of Central Arkansas VISTA Program, University of Central Arkansas BearsServe Leaders AmeriCorps Program, Community Service, Inc. Tutoring and Mentoring Program, Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas Monticello VISTA Program, and University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Jumpstart Arkansas AmeriCorps program.
Honoring this moment in our nation’s history by serving in the community helps transform 9/11 into a day of unity, empathy, and service as an enduring and positive tribute to those lost and injured on 9/11, and the many who rose in service in response to the attacks, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, and members of our military. 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to mobilize Americans to engage in service and remembrance activities that meet community needs, and honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, or who rose in service because of that tragedy.
September 11th was designated a National Day of Service by Congress in 2009 and is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs, and is responsible for the nation's volunteering and service efforts. EngageAR is the Arkansas Service Commission managing AmeriCorps programs and promoting civic engagement. CNCS partners with 911Day.org and hundreds of business, nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, and schools nationwide.
This year, thousands of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds in both rural and urban communities are expected to join their neighbors in thanking and honoring first responders. Service day activities will include repairing homes of veterans and military families, refurbishing schools and community centers, distributing virtual learning support packets for pre-k through 3rd grade students who must quarantine or are in foster care, preparing COVID-19 safety response kits for local families, collecting food and clothing, signing up as mentors, reading to children and more. For more information on upcoming national days of service, visit www.volunteerar.org/Daysofservice.
