Remember those lost, join in community service on 9/11 to kick off month of 'United We Help'

This year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Activate Good is continuing its tradition of honoring those lost on September 11, 2001, with its annual day of service in a new format. A restorative month of service, titled “United We Help,” will bring Triangle residents together to participate in safe, in-person or remote volunteer opportunities and virtual learning sessions about local issues. WRAL will stream a virtual 9/11 evening commemoration live on WRAL.com, the WRAL-TV Facebook page, and the WRAL News App.

Activate Good, a local nonprofit with a mission of improving the community through ‘people-powered projects for good,’ believes “United We Help” can bring people together around the idea of helping the community during a time of critical need. "2020 has brought many unexpected challenges and, in some ways, our society is as divided as ever. But service is something we can all do, and helping our community can help bring us together,” explains Amber Smith, executive director of Activate Good.

During the “United We Help” month of service, community members around the Triangle are invited to participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities – either in-person or virtual – based on their interests and availability. Some volunteer projects are scheduled at a specific day and time, and other opportunities allow volunteers to participate based on their own schedule, ensuring maximum flexibility during a challenging time of often unpredictable schedules.

In-person volunteer projects will be conducted in socially-distanced environments with masks and other safety protocols in place. Interested participants can view opportunities and sign up at https://activategood.org/unitedwehelp2020.

Wells Fargo, a long-time sponsor of Activate Good’s 9/11 Day of Service, will support United We Help as the Virtual Service Sponsor for the month of service.

“For the past seven years, Wells Fargo has been proud to support Activate Good’s 9/11 Day of Service and we look forward to continuing to work with them to honor heroes, survivors and families,” said Suzie Koonce, a community relations senior consultant with Wells Fargo. “We understand that now, more than ever, we need to be there for our local communities with action and collaboration.”

A variety of remote learning sessions will be offered throughout the month featuring leaders from Activate Good’s community partner network. “We know when we provide more opportunities to learn about and discuss local issues that more people are inspired to take action,” explains Smith. Learning sessions will be interactive and cover topics including but not limited to hunger, health, and homelessness in the Triangle.

For the past several years, Activate Good has hosted an in-person evening commemoration event to conclude the annual 9/11 Day of Service, a national day of service which honors those lost on September 11, 2001. This year, the 9/11 Evening Commemoration event will be hosted online, include speakers and invite viewers to participate in at-home DIY service projects they can do while they watch.

Genworth Mortgage Insurance, a long-time sponsor of Activate Good’s annual 9/11 Evening Commemoration, returns to support “United We Help” as the initiative’s Virtual 9/11 Commemoration Sponsor.

“Even though this year’s day of service will look and feel different, the meaning and purpose behind it remains unchanged. We are proud to be a continued sponsor of the Evening Commemoration in honor of those we lost on September 11, 2001. We look forward to continuing to build a stronger community and gathering virtually in remembrance with our Triangle neighbors,” said Rohit Gupta, President and CEO of Genworth Mortgage Insurance.

WRAL will support “United We Help” as the initiative’s Virtual 9/11 Commemoration Media Sponsor and will livestream the event on WRAL.com, the WRAL-TV Facebook page and the WRAL News App. WRAL News anchor Gerald Owens will also serve as emcee for the virtual event.

“As the most-visited local media site in the state, we can help spread far and wide the positive message and impact of United We Help,” said WRAL Digital Vice President John Conway. “And beyond our top-rated website, we will be streaming this program on our news and streaming TV app for the widest possible distribution.”

Community members who would like to participate in volunteer projects, learning sessions, or the virtual 9/11 Commemoration can view activities and register on Activate Good’s “United We Help” website, https://activategood.org/united.