The “I Will” service project initiative calls on each citizen to pay tribute to 9/11 victims and first responders by performing a “good deed,” meaning a personal act of service or an act of “neighboring,” on the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. “I Will” is organized nationally by My Good Deed, a foundation started by family members of those lost on 9/11.
School districts, schools, classrooms, service clubs and individual students can all be involved. Making pledges offers schools a unique opportunity to observe this important memorial and to learn more about the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath. Students will have a chance to develop civic knowledge and an ethic of service in their community.
The Maine Commission for Community Service has registered Maine’s “I Will” tribute as a single, statewide project with the national movement. Each citizen wishing to participate decides what personal act of service will be their tribute to 9/11 victims and first responders and then registers the pledge of service at the Volunteer Maine website by September 11.
All Maine pledges of service recorded will be bundled and reported to the national organizers by September 15. Last year, through the efforts of the national “I Will” campaign, 33 million people observed 9/11 by engaging in charitable activities that ranged from simple good deeds to organized volunteer work.
In addition to promoting individual pledges, schools, classrooms and clubs can also organize a “pledge drive” among their members. Posters and pledge cards with instructions on how to participate are available at no cost from the commission. Group leaders can obtain these by emailing service.commission@maine.gov or calling 624-7792.
Resources and more information
- Make a pledge
- Michael Ashmore
Grant Programs Officer
Maine Commission for Community Service
michael.ashmore@maine.gov
624-7734