"United Day of Service" to commemorate September 11

Collaboration generates service hours

Youth Service America and Champions of Hope will sponsor United Day of Service for youth, ages 5-25, on September 11. This day of service will commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States by engaging millions of young people in service projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. United Day of Service themes are hope, healing, youth leadership, service and patriotism.

In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush called on every young person in America "to commit at least two years - 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime - to the service of your neighbors and your nation." At a July 30 White House event, the President launched The USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network (www.USAFreedomCorps.gov<http://www.USAFreedomCorps.gov>) and said, "We serve because it's important to our own character. Acts of compassion add direction and purpose to our lives. Serving something greater than yourself in life is part of a fulfilling life. And finally, we serve because it's important to our country. Our nation is the greatest force for good in history, and we show our gratitude by doing our duty. We express our love for America by loving Americans."

United Day of Service organizers will provide youth across the nation with templates for five distinct service-learning projects (or they may design their own) to fulfill the needs of their communities and answer the President's call to service. The projects will provide an entry point for thousands of young people into service and ongoing recognition for the millions of other youth who already make service an integral part of their lives:

•Hunger: Food Drives;

•Literacy: Reading Projects in partnership with the National Center for Family Literacy and sponsored by the Verizon Foundation;

•Environment: Tree Plantings in partnership with American Forests;

•Emergency Relief: Car Washes to benefit fire, police, and rescue organizations in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council;

•Children's Health: Fundraising for polio eradication in partnership with the United Nations Foundation.

•"As our greatest national asset, it is only fitting that younger Americans commemorate the attacks with acts of kindness and service to others," said Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America. "Millions of young people serving together in honor of others and creating a tidal wave of good sends a powerful message of hope and healing around the globe," Culbertson added.

"A majority of young people expressed frustration that they could not do more to help after 9.11," said Melissa Helmbrecht, founder and CEO of Champions of Hope. "By giving youth the opportunity to honor those lost through service, United Day of Service will turn pain into power and hurt into hope," Helmbrecht added.

Note: www.UnitedDayofService.org <http://www.UnitedDayofService.org> is an online resource for project planning and tracking, and up-to-the-minute event information. United Day of Service will also recognize event participants at a special ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on September 11.