On 9/11 Anniversary, Pay Tribute by Pledging to Serve

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZU-iwxl4EYI

In all the stories people have told this week about where they were on Sept. 11, 2001, one clear theme is the feeling of helplessness people felt that day. Since then, the federal government has officially designated Sept. 11 of each year as the National Day of Service and Remembrance so people have a proactive way of remembering that day.

This year, our colleagues at GOOD/Corps worked with My Good Deed and the HandsOn Network to create the "I Will" campaign in the same spirit. The goal, according to the GOOD/Corps team, is to "give positive direction to the powerful emotions around the tragedy and transform the negativity that surrounds it into a lasting movement of kindness, good deeds and charitable service."

The "I Will" website invites people to become part of the campaign's digital "tribute quilt" by writing a short description of how they'll honor the anniversary. Celebrities from Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira to actress Julianne Moore have filmed videos about their plans for the day. Each tribute is short and sweet, and the perfect antidote to any helpless feelings. The only question left is "What will you do?"