Remembering September 11 through civic engagement activities

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Abstract

To mark the anniversary of September 11, 2001, AmeriCorps*VISTA members in Decorah, Iowa put together a poster called "Eleven Ways to Remember September 11, 2001" and distributed it to local businesses to display. These 11 ways to remember can be shared with service members at any time of the year as worthwhile steps individuals can take to foster civic engagement. Carrie Schafhauser, AmeriCorps*VISTA member, offered this effective practice in September 2002 on the VISTANet e-mail discussion list, hosted by St. Johns University.

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Issue

Remembering September 11, 2001 in ways that meaningfully promote civic engagement.

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Action

Groups and individuals can remember September 11 by taking action in the following ways:

    1. Plant a tree in someone's memory.
    2. Talk to someone whose background is different from yours.
    3. Donate blood. (Check with your local chapter of the American Red Cross to find out where and how.)
    4. Volunteer for an hour.
    5. Take pride in your freedom by re-reading the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
    6. Shake the hand of someone you have never met.
    7. Send a thank-you note to the volunteer firefighters in your area for the good work that they do.
    8. Check the BBC or other world news source for current events.
    9. Try a foreign food you have never had.
    10. Read about another culture.
    11. Find out what a burqa is.

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Context

AmeriCorps*VISTA members from Decorah, Iowa were looking for ways to commemorate the first anniversary of September 11, 2002. After talking extensively with members of the community, many people expressed that they wanted to remember 9-11 in a quiet, respectful, and reserved way. Consequently, three AmeriCorps*VISTA members put together a poster entitled, "Eleven ways to remember September 11, 2001." They circulated the posters around town -- primarily to area businesses, which displayed them.

Located in the northeast corner of Iowa, the City of Decorah in the Oneota River Valley supports a wide variety of non-profit community services and youth organizations.

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Outcome

The suggested activities help promote a healthier natural environment, increase awareness of diversity, increase knowledge of current events, and engender goodwill in the community.

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Posted On

November 14, 2002

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For More Information

Carrie Schafhauser
Decorah Public Library
Americorps*VISTA member
202 Winnebago Street
Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: (563) 382-3717

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Related Practices

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Related sites

The September 11 Digital Archive

AmeriCorps*VISTA

USA Freedom Corps

Topic Areas

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