2023 9.11 Tribute Service Toolkit

Each September 11th, the Project 351 community joins millions of volunteers across the country for a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We unite to honor and remember the loved ones lost in the terrorist attacks and the bravery and sacrifice of those who answered the call to serve by enlisting in our military. And, we serve to pay tribute to the spirit of unity, compassion, and generosity that healed our nation in the months following that tragic day.

Our mission is simple -- to demonstrate the power of hope and the spirit of community. And, to honor greatest loss with kindness, generosity, and service that uplifts those in greatest need of our comfort and support.

At Project 351, we encourage enrichment and reflection as we serve. Our understanding of the events of September 11th and the loss that remains strengthens our purpose and motivates our excellence. Project dedications to Fallen Heroes, local first responders, those lost in the 9.11 attacks, and everyday heroes inspire our efforts and teach us about courage, fortitude, and the power of love.

We are grateful for your leadership, inspired by your devotion, and proud of your resolve to unite, act, lead. Through your service, you bring hope, healing, and assurance that we will “never forget” 9.11. You are testimony that love and the spirit of community endures.

With gratitude,

Carolyn Casey

We begin in gratitude for your commitment to honor & remember through 9.11 Tribute Service.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Introduction

Tribute Service continues your Project 351 leadership journey by uniting communities in service and remembrance. Over the last eight months, you’ve strengthened your courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead change. And, developed the knowledge and awareness required of an upstander and bridge builder. This Toolkit builds upon that foundation with the inspiration, information, and blueprint you need to honor and remember through Tribute Service. As always, this Toolkit gains its strength from you. It will be your companion for training calls, resource for best practices, and canvas for your goals and vision. Please use it to guide your service journey, strengthen your confidence and empathy as leader, and mobilize your community to Unite. Act. Lead!

Serving the Self: Health & Wellness

Your health, wellness, and care are Project 351’s foremost priority. As the school year approaches, we know it can feel overwhelming to establish a balance between classes, relationships, service, and your many other passions. This is especially true for our Ambassadors entering high school. We encourage you to adopt an approach to your service that prioritizes your physical health and mental wellness. We invite you to lean on your network of support-- especially Project 351 or a parent/guardian/caring adult. We are here for you!

Maintain your wellness.

You are a deeply valued member of the 35ONE community -- and of your community, school, and family. Please prioritize your self care and wellness -- mind, body, spirit. We know that history concerning tragic loss, acts of hatred, and conflict can be upsetting. You are not required to review all of the links and news stories that will be shared over the coming weeks. We will ensure the information covered over the course of Tribute Service includes all that you need to lead and serve with excellence. But, if you are feeling discouraged or worried, please engage a caring adult for support and care. Service is secondary to your wellness!

Ensure the support of your family/guardian.

Remember, the permission and support of your family/guardian -- and your own health and wellness -- are essential

With a strong foundation of wellness and care, it’s time to READY...SET...SERVE!

PROJECT351

Training & Leadership Development

(Please note: dates/times are subject to change. Email invitations will be sent for each call.)

August 1 9 11 Tribute Service Informational Call

August 11 Project Registration deadline

August 8, 6:00 pm SLA #1: Why We Honor & Remember with Diane Nealon, MMHF

August 15, 6:00 pm SLA #2: How to Lead a Wishlist Drive & Fundraise for MMHF

Mid-August Information for Regional Donation Drop-offs emailed; Virtual Tribute Stone assignments shared with team members

August 22, 6:00 pm SLA #3: Love in Response to Islamophobia with Mohammad Razvi, COPO

August 29, 6:00 pm SLA #4: Tribute Stones & Gratitude for Local Heroes

Early September Regional Donation Drop-offs! (dates/locations to be provided)

September 1 Final Day for Amazon Wish List orders (to ensure on-time delivery)

September 5 SLA #5: Ready, Set, Serve!; Also, final day for donation drop-off/delivery.

September 11 Honor & Remember: National Day of Service & Remembrance

National Moment of Silence, 8:46 am

Virtual Tribute Stone Garden

Hometown tributes & service

Day of Service in Boston with MMHF

Week of September 11th Reflection & Gratitude; Impact Report

Tribute Service: Steps for Success

1. What is your WHY?: Reflect on your motivation to serve. Learn about September 11th and the heroes and hope that healed our nation through 351 resources and independent research. Develop your WHY statement as inspiration and your touchstone of purpose throughout service.

2. Dedicate: What or who motivates you to serve? Why is it important to honor and remember 9.11?

3. Understand Impact: Visit the MMHF website to learn about their mission. Your knowledge of their critically-needed leadership will motivate others to act. Summarize key information to remember and share.

4. Develop Goals: What are your goals for impact and engagement? Establish aspirations that are realistic, yet inspiring and motivating!

5. Brainstorm: Who will serve on your Leadership Team? Where will you serve? Which Tribute Service project(s) most inspire your commitment?

6. Reflect: Compile a list of successful tactics and the breakthrough ideas you have learned through 35ONE service, team-building, and training

7. Design an Action Plan: What, how, and when? What is your vision and how will you make it a reality? What resources do you need? Factor in challenges you may face to ensure your preparedness

8. Create a Timeline: Define your final vision/deadline and work backwards to establish a calendar of milestones, meetings, and action steps Pace yourself and don’t over-commit! Your service impact – of any size – will be valued

9. Activate: Who will you invite to serve on your Leadership Team (LT)? What will their responsibilities be? How can a broader group of friends, family, or community members support your mission? Be specific – how, when, where?

10. Demonstrate Gratitude: How will you show appreciation to your team and community? Always remember to be generous with words/acts of kindness throughout each stage of service---and with everyone who serves, supports, donates, and believes in you!

Chapter One: The WHY of Service

WHY WE SERVE

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the most devastating terrorist attacks in our nation’s history We serve to honor and remember the beautiful lives lost on that tragic day and in military combat since, the extraordinary courage of First Responders and everyday heroes, and the spirit of service and compassion that helped heal our nation As we mark over two decades since that tragic day, we pay special tribute to the 206 loved ones lost on 9 11 with Massachusetts roots

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

1 Unite with the national community to honor those lost on September 11, 2001 and in active duty in the war on terror; and promote patriotism through service, awareness, unity, and acts of kindness

2 Elevate and strengthen the mission of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund in support of the bereaved families of the Fallen

3. Demonstrate gratitude and respect for military, veterans, and first responders.

4. Build leadership skills and demonstrate the impact and importance of youth service across Massachusetts.

Overview of the NATIONAL DAY of SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE:

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were unprecedented in our nation’s history. Yet, on a day of unimaginable loss, America was lifted up and united by acts of heroism and bravery. First responders, military -- as well as citizens of every age, profession, and background-- answered the call to serve. Their example proved that hope, courage, and patriotism could heal and strengthen a nation.

In 2009, President Barack Obama and Congress established September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Annually, millions of Americans unite to honor the 2,997 lives lost on September 11th; and in tribute to those who courageously responded through service – first responders, everyday heroes, public servants, and the men and women of our military who continue to defend our freedoms

UNITED WE SERVE:

We are privileged to partner with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund (MMHF) to support active duty service members and local veterans-in-need. MMHF is a non-profit organization that provides critical support to the bereaved families of fallen military from Massachusetts. Learn more about how you can support MMHF and service members through the project options on pages 16–28.

Through 9 11 Service, we also pay special tribute to First Responders On September 11th, fire, police, and first responders faced the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with extraordinary courage and bravery. Tragically, in New York City, 412 first responders lost their lives, including 343 firefighters, 61 police officers, and 8 EMT/paramedics. We will honor these heroes and tribute their example by dedicating gratitude projects to the first responders in our hometowns. You can learn more on page 18.

Finding Your WHY of Service

(Inscribed in Memorial Hall, 9.11 Memorial & Museum, New York City)

At Project 351, we find strength and inspiration to lead by discovering the WHY of our service. This lesson is essential to those who seek to lead change, build communities, and find common ground. It’s a key to your integrity as a leader and effectiveness in service. We encourage you to reflect, dig deep, and articulate your “why”. To connect intention to action. And, compassion to project planning. Ask yourself:

Why am I serving to honor & remember September 11th? Why am I honoring Fallen Heroes, 9.11 victims & First Responders in my community? Why is this important to me? To those I’m privileged to serve? Our country? What impact do I hope to make? How can my service bring hope, healing & unity?

Throw out the rules of grammar and write down the words and phrases that reflect your motivation as a leader Capture what gives your service the greatest meaning Your “WHY” statement doesn’t have to read like poetry. It just needs to be authentic and true to you.

Revisit your “I serve because” statement throughout your 9 11 Tribute Service for inspiration Continue to work on it until it best reflects who you are and your intention Once you have your personal “why”, embrace it as your North Star to help guide your way

I serve because...

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time."

~Virgil

Service Dedication

We encourage you to honor a local Fallen Hero or loved one lost on 9 11 through your project dedication Project Dedications serve as a touchstone of inspiration and meaning, and motivate our best efforts We encourage you to use your Project Dedication as fuel for excellence, especially when you face challenges or celebrate successes Your leadership -- and the goodness and kindness you will generate through service -- will be a beautiful testimony to the legacy of those we lost

Research local Fallen Heroes or loved one lost on 9.11. Reflect on their unique story & how you can best honor them through remembrance.

This 9.11 Tribute Service, I dedicate my service to:

Why do you want to honor and remember this person?

What lessons of leadership and compassion do they inspire? ____________________________________________________________________

How will you model their example as you lead service? ____________________________________________________________________

351 Reflection

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase ”

~ Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Often the most challenging part of any service project is taking the first step! Building a foundation of purpose and motivation is the start of your successful service. Check out page 7 for a roadmap to begin.

Three reasons you’re motivated to lead 9.11 Tribute Service.

1.

3. Five steps you will take to build a strong foundation for service. 1

5.

One word that describes why you feel it is important to honor and remember through Tribute Service.

2.

3.

4.

ACTION STEPS FOR SUCCESS!

Chapter One

Chapter Two: Leading Positive Impact

Tribute Service: The Opportunity to Lead

1. Lead school-based remembrance through the National Moment of Silence on Monday, September 11 at 8:46 am

2. Share Gratitude for Local First Responders

3. Honor & Remember through a Tribute Stone Garden -- your own and/or our virtual garden

4. Support the mission of MMHF and provide compassionate care for our troops and veterans:

a. Fundraise to “Sponsor” Care Package(s)

b. Lead a Drive to Collect Wish List Items

c. Create Patriotic Cards & Letters of Gratitude

1. The National Moment of Silence on September 11th

PROJECT OVERVIEW: September 11th is a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year, the day begins in unity through peaceful remembrance at 8:46 am. This peaceful remembrance marks the time of impact for Flight 11 at the World Trade Center -- when our world forever changed. In partnership with MMHF, Project 351 encourages every school to honor this solemn moment. Your leadership can help ensure your school’s participation and, more importantly, build your classmates’ understanding and awareness of the meaning of September 11th.

PROJECT GOAL: To unite your community in peaceful remembrance on 9.11. To initiate and lead a Moment of Silence to honor the ones lost on the tragic day in 2001, the Fallen Heroes since, and the families of both.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS AQUIRED: Community Engagement, Public Speaking

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

School Announcements: With permission from your principal, offer brief reflections and invite a moment of peaceful remembrance at 8:46 am via school announcements. Ensure greater meaning by sending a letter to school faculty in advance to engage their support. Include an overview of Tribute Service, the meaning of the Moment of Silence, and what inspires you to honor and remember.

Student Assembly: Engage your elementary, middle or high school to unite as a school community for the Moment of Silence. A brief program could include reflections from a local veteran, military, or First Responder; brief context and history from your principal or history teacher; and your remarks on what inspires you to honor and remember. After the Moment of Silence, encourage classmates to make a pledge of peace or act of kindness in honor of those lost on 9.11 and due to military combat since 2001.

Virtual Moment of Silence: A virtual/video moment of peaceful remembrance can also powerfully convey unity and peace. Your video remembrance could include reflections from a local veteran, military, or First Responder; brief context and history from your principal or history teacher; and your reflections on what inspires you to honor and remember.

Strategies to strengthen your service:

Engage your Superintendent to amplify your impact: Superintendents can be strong allies in your efforts to honor and remember. Begin your outreach -- email or phone -- with appreciation for your Superintendent’s leadership and support of Project 351. Encourage the Moment of Silence as an opportunity to begin the year in unity. Request their support engaging the school district in remembrance. Options include: districtwide email, recruitment of school principals to lead their schools in remembrance, and/or the Superintendent’s participation. Offer your reflections on the importance of remembrance on 9.11 and suggested guidance for “how to” to lead a Moment of Silence.

Partner with First Responders, local veterans/military and/or town/city officials: Engage local first responders or other local leaders and invite them to share their reflections and tributes in person or by video.

Engage media: Contact your hometown or high school newspaper, radio station, and social. media accounts to encourage their remembrance. Perhaps they can share a story of a local Fallen Hero or an invitation for the community to unite and peaceful remembrance through thel Moment of Silence?

Alumni inspiration!

In 2021, Alumni Hannah Tirrell, Charlie Hernandez, and Jack Regan of Abington led a town-wide memorial and moment of silence that united hundreds of neighbors to honor and remember.

LEADERSHIP TIP: Your community may have lost a Fallen Hero or a neighbor in the September 11th attacks. If so, we encourage you to dedicate your Moment of Silence to them and their families. The Project 351 team can help provide information and guidance about a possible hometown connection. Further research can be online, including via the Mass 9.11 Fund. If the family of the Fallen or 9.11 victim is open to engagement, you could include them in the following ways:

Write them a letter of remembrance and support.

Invite family members to offer a peaceful remembrance in their loved one’s honor, whether in person at your school’s Moment of Silence or by video. Share the Fallen or 9.11 victim’s story with classmates and friends to provide personal connection and deeper meaning to the remembrance.

2. Gratitude for Local First Responders

PROJECT OVERVIEW: On September 11th, police, fire, EMTs, and first responders faced the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with extraordinary courage and bravery. Tragically, in New York City, 412 first responders lost their lives, including 343 firefighters, 61 police officers, and 8 EMT/paramedics Twenty-one years later, thousands of first responders who had led months of rescue and recovery at Ground Zero are afflicted with cancer and other life-threatening health crises Their sacrifice continues

Through Tribute Service, we demonstrate gratitude to first responders who selflessly dedicate their lives to the safety and care of our communities; as we honor their “brothers” and “sisters” lost in 2001 These acts of gratitude can foster strong relationships between first responders and the communities that they serve, strengthening mutual respect and care.

PROJECT GOAL: To honor and remember the lives of the First Responders lost on 9.11 through acts of kindness and gratitude for hometown First Responders.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS ACQUIRED: Gratitude, Empathy, Communication, Project Management

LEADERSHIP TIPS:

We encourage you to contact your police/fire and EMTs to share your intention, get their approval, and inquire as to what act of gratitude would be most appreciated. Use your creativity!

Baked goods, gratitude cards, thank you banners!

Be sure to coordinate and confirm a convenient date/time to deliver your gratitude messages/acts.

Engaging with First Responders is a great opportunity to listen and learn about their experiences and the qualities of leadership required for their service. You may consider observing the National Moment of Silence on September 11th with First Responders.

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

Create a Banner and/or Video: Design a gratitude banner or video thanking your local First Responders for their service to your community Have friends, classmates, teammates, and community members share their appreciation, too!

Make Goodie Bags: Find out what local First Responders need and value -- and what brings them joy! Create a wish list and engage friends and family to donate Items may include hand sanitizer, chapstick, gum, gift cards for Dunkins or Starbucks, or handmade baked goods Decorate paper bags with messages of gratitude and support Pack and deliver!

Support their Remembrance Events: Your local First Responders and civic leaders may host a 9 11 remembrance event Offer support and recruit friends and family to participate

Create Thank You Cards: Build a culture of gratitude at your elementary school Reach out to a favorite teacher and organize a time to visit for card creation Share your Tribute Service and encourage their kindness and gratitude Lead card creation and letter writing in appreciation of your town’s heroes

3. Tribute Stone Garden

PROJECT OVERVIEW: Each year, Tribute Service culminates in a large-scale service and remembrance event in Boston with MMHF, Gold Star and 9.11 families, and elected leaders. United, we create hundreds of care packages for troops serving abroad and local veterans experiencing homelessness. In 2020, service was reimagined because of COVID and included a virtual version of one of the most powerful elements of our day in Boston -- the Tribute Stone Garden.

The Tribute Stone Garden has very special meaning to the families of the Fallen and of 9.11 victims. Our partners at MMHF have taught us of the power of remembrance with the tradition of the “saying of the name" . Families draw great comfort seeing or hearing the names of their loved ones, knowing that they will never be forgotten. This support is especially meaningful on September 11th.

A Tribute Stone is a creative expression of dedication to a designated Fallen or loved one lost on 9 11 Flat, smooth stones are used as canvas for patriotic colors, messages of hope, and the inclusion of the name of a Fallen Hero or 9 11 loved one

In 2020, the Tribute Stone Garden was displayed virtually on Project 351 social media and inspired support and remembrance from across the state -- and country This year, we continue the tradition of a virtual garden and encourage your consideration of creating your own Tribute Garden at a place of honor in your community, or by emailing or posting photos of your stones

PROJECT GOALS: To virtually unite the state through the beauty and meaning of a Tribute Stone Garden of Remembrance. Learn about a courageous Fallen Hero or loved one lost on 9.11. Utilize your STW skills to build awareness and remembrance.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS ACQUIRED: Creativity, Teamwork, Research, Reflection & Communication

There are FIVE steps for those leading this service:

1. You will be designated a courageous Fallen Hero or loved one lost on 9.11. Those who sign up for this project should receive their assignment and resources in mid-August

2 Use research and resources to gain insight and inspiration about the person whom you will tribute

3. Join SLA #4 on August 29th at 6:00pm! Jocelyn Graham, Class of 2021, Mendon will share her “how to” tips for creating a Tribute Stone and guidance for joining our virtual Garden on September 11th. This special project requires both creativity and reverence, as we seek to bring comfort to the families of those we honor.

4 On your own or with friends and family -- or your Servic (or Stones!) and your dedication to “honor and remember” by September 10, 2023 You’re also invited to create additional stones with messages of patriotism or hope

5 On September 11th, post an image(s) of your Tribute Stone(s) with your reflections: “I honor and remember (name of Fallen Hero or loved one lost on 9 11) because ” Make sure that your post(s) are set to public Please note: We will provide detailed, step-by-step guidance for creating our social media Tribute Garden to all of those team members who sign up for this project Guidance will include hashtags: #neverforget, #911Day, #virtualtributestonegarden

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

As an individual, work on your own to create your Tribute Stones with meaning and reflection!

As a team, unite friends and family to share the mission and meaning of 9 11 Tribute Service and to create Tribute Stones As reflection, your team can share motivation for their service and a lesson learned from their Fallen Hero or 9.11 loved one. Social media will be our platform for creating a virtual Tribute Stone Garden. Project 351 will provide specific guidance for our efforts on September 11th. This is a solemn day, so we will lead with respect and reverence, and in a way that inspires hope. For those who are not on social media, you can email photos of your stones to info@project351.org and we will post your stones on our social media.

LEADERSHIP TIP: Collaborate with fellow Ambassadors or Alumni. Explore ways to coordinate efforts to create a stronger community impact. For example: if a fellow Ambassador/Alumni is landscaping at your hometown VFW and you’re making Tribute Stones -- unite as a team. Imagine creating a Tribute Stone Garden at the VFW for the veterans, military, and their families to see!

4a. MMHF Fundraising in Support of Care Packages

PROJECT OVERVIEW: By sponsoring a care package for $35, you will support the vital mission of MMHF and help ensure 1,000+ care packages are sent to troops and veterans. This project invites you to use your skills as a fundraiser -- designing creative ways to engage friends and family; utilizing your talent to recruit local businesses to support this worthy mission; and sharing your passion to “honor and remember” to motivate generosity of others.

PROJECT GOAL: To inspire friends, family, and community members to donate to the important mission of MMHF. With their generosity, MMHF will provide support for enlisted service members and veterans on 9.11 and to the bereaved families of the Fallen throughout the year.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS ACQUIRED: Communication, Project Planning, Organization, Fundraising

LEADERSHIP TIP: If you’re dedicating your project to a Fallen Hero or loved one lost on 9.11, share their story and how they inspire you as a way to motivate your community to support your fundraising efforts for MMHF.

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

Lemonade Stand: Host a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, local sports or community event, or an area where many people congregate Create signage that informs customers of your efforts to support MMHF Be sure to have a secure box for donations

Neighborhood Door-To-Door: Please get permission from your parents/guardians first, as they may want to accompany you during this fundraising activity Distribute a personal note sharing your service mission and respectfully asking for a donation in support of MMHF. Include an envelope with your address (to mail or drop-off), guidance for the donation, and an email address for questions. Be sure you write notes of gratitude to those who donate!

Bake Sale: Do you love to bake? How about a bake sale in your school, house of worship, or at a local community event? Recruit friends to bake cookies, brownies, dessert bars, and other great tasty items. And, decorate your table with red, white and blue!

Chores for Hire: Let family, friends, and neighbors know that you’re available to mow lawns, babysit, do yard work, run errands...all for a donation to MMHF!

"Percentage of Sales” Day: Contact a local business to propose a percentage of sales from a designated day(s) for Mass Military Heroes Fund. Many businesses have “Give Back” programs in place to help you. Try ice cream or coffee shops, family restaurants, and other local businesses.

Creating Positive “Change” for MMHF: As an alternative to above, ask those same businesses if they’ll keep a donation jar at their checkout and invite people to contribute their change in support. If the bill is $4.49, the customer can contribute their change of $.51 (or more!) to the donation jar.

Ask 35: Ask 35 family and friends to donate a $1 and to pledge an act of honor and remembrance on September 11th.

Note: Donors, both individual and business, often request tax information for MMHF. You can find this document (known as a 501c3) at the end of the Toolkit.

4b. Lead a Drive for MMHF “Wish List” Items

PROJECT OVERVIEW: Use your skills gained through Spring Service to help collect “wish list” items identified by troops and veterans for inclusion in 1,000+ care packages. In partnership with MMHF, Tribute Service care packages will be sent to troops serving abroad and to local veterans experiencing homelessness.

You can lead a virtual or in person drive:

1.

Amazon Wish Lists for MMHF: Invite family and friends to purchase wish list items online via Amazon, which will ship directly to Project 351 HQ at 50 Milk Street, Floor 16, Boston, MA 02109. The deadline for online purchases is Friday, September 1, to ensure they arrive in time for service on September 11th.

2.

Product Drives: You can lead a drive to collect items to support the wish list! Below, please find designated products for the troops and the veterans. You can choose to concentrate on a few items or the whole list. We will provide guidance for donation drop-offs by September 5th.

Troops:

Chap Stick

Facial Tissues (individual packets)

Flushable wipes for body/hands

Instant coffee -- boxes with single servings

Almonds -- packages with single servings

Cup of Soup -- boxes with individual packets

Playing cards

Veterans:

Gift cards of any domination: Stop & Shop, Panera, Amazon, Foot Locker

Deodorant

Disposable face masks

Bars of soap

Travel size toothpaste

Toothbrushes (in their sealed packages)

PROJECT GOAL: To reflect the spirit of the National Day of Service and Remembrance on 9 11 and to support enlisted service members and veterans

LEADERSHIP SKILLS ACQUIRED: Communication, Project Planning, Team Management

IMPORTANT GUIDANCE for this project:

1. Our mission is to collect thousands of wish list items for assembly in Boston on September 11th. You do not need to assemble care packages at home!

2. Sorting & Packing: As you collect donations, please box the items by “type”. For example, bars of soap in one box and travel size toothpaste in another. Be sure to record the number of each item collected. Your precise inventory and careful packing will ensure service excellence on September 11th and accurate service impact upon completion of the Impact Form. Thank you!

3. Reporting: To support MMHF’s planning and ensure adequate wish list items, you will be invited to submit an online report of quantities of each item by early September. We will send a reminder and link. NOTE: You can continue to collect after this date, but all donations are due to us by September 5th! Also, you will include your final collection totals in your Impact Form, after September 11th.

4. We will share detailed directions for regional drop-offs locations, which will take place in early September. Additionally, collected items can be shipped directly to 50 Milk Street, Floor 16, Boston, MA 02109 no later than September 5th.

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

Think Spring!: What leadership lessons and best practices did you learn from Spring Service, your Service Hero team, and Ambassador friends? Use this wisdom and creativity to ensure Tribute Service success!

Neighborhood Pick Up: Post brightly colored or neon flyers around your neighborhood informing them that you will be collecting wish list items for troops and veterans. Include a day/time that you will pick up collections. Ask neighbors to leave their donations at the end of their driveways or on their porch. On the designated day, with your parents/guardians or friends, collect items and be sure to leave a thank you note in your neighbors’ mailboxes!

Inspire your Teammates, Scouts, or Club Members!: For those participating in summer sports leagues, engage your teammates and their families in donating “wish list” items. Designate an upcoming game to challenge your opponent to a friendly competition to collect wish list items. On game day, see who collected the most! Scouts, theatre/arts groups, camps, and clubs are also great potential support as LT (Leadership Team) members or supporters of your drive.

Engage Your Place of Worship: Invite members to express gratitude for troops by donating items and letters/cards for our troops. Engage your faith leader to post an announcement in the bulletin and on the website; and to announce during services. If appropriate at your house of worship, ask to share your reflections and request for support Set up a collection box for designated days (Don’t forget to post a note of gratitude in the bulletin and on the website as part of your Celebrate & Appreciate plans!)

Engage local business: Ask local businesses (convenience stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Target, etc.) to donate items in support of our troops and veterans. Share your personal commitment to honor and remember, and your appreciation for their consideration

Community Events & Festivals: Speak with event organizers about the opportunity to collect wishlist items as part of the event’s “admission” If they say yes, partner with them to “spread the word” through their website, social media, and local media Confirm a collection bin, signage, and volunteers for the designated day The MMHF tax exemption form is provided at the end of this Toolkit

Note: If you are soliciting businesses or organizations for donations or support, you may need to provide tax information for MMHF At the end of this Toolkit, you will find the 501(c)3 form

4c. Create patriotic cards/letters of gratitude for MMHF care packages

PROJECT OVERVIEW: Patriotic cards and letters of gratitude for military members provide a personal, heartfelt addition to the care packages. They remind our military that people back home care about and are grateful for their service to our country. The sky’s the limit for how -- and with whom -- you can create cards. One card or 100 -you can be assured that each will be cherished.

MATERIALS:

Paper/Cards -- patriotic colors (red, white, & blue!) or any bright, uplifting colors

Markers/Crayons/Colored Pencils

Sample Notes -- to guide and inspire your team Stickers or other decorative additions

NOTE: Please avoid decorating with glitter It looks beautiful, but can get mixed in with food items in the care packages, which isn’t especially tasty!

ALUMNI BEST PRACTICES:

Who: Invite friends, family, classmates, sports teammates, and friends in choir, band, or clubs

What: Letter & Cards:

Design ~ Encourage patriotic images and artwork Celebrate the red, white, and blue by using colored paper, markers, crayons, pens Flag and star stickers are great options, too!

Content ~ Words of gratitude, encouragement, and support Heartfelt messages that reflect the writer’s admiration and appreciation Troops also love to hear local news -- especially sports highlights from the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins Make sure to stay positive in your messages!

Length ~ Short, long, medium length! Whatever you and your volunteers wish! You can address the cards/letters using “Dear Soldier,” so that they will be applicable to any recipient

Envelopes ~ If your team uses envelopes, please do not seal them Every card and letter will be reviewed by the MMHF team before it’s placed in a care package

Where:

Summer Camp and/or Seniors Home Activity: Utilize “arts and crafts” sessions to share the mission of your service and engage campers or seniors.

Engage local elementary school students: Reach out to your former elementary school, organize a time to lead thank you card writing or encourage them to write thank you cards that you can pick up.

Inspire others at Local Festivals, Sporting Events, and Community Concerts: Secure permission to host a table for participants to create cards and write letters of support. Pack a box with all the supplies you’ll need. Create a sign for your table that communicates your service. Inspire others to write letters of appreciation and support for our troops and veterans.

351 Reflection

What project (or projects!) have inspired your commitment to lead and serve? Reflect on what motivates your project selection and your Action Plan ahead!

Three reasons ways you hope to create positive change through your project(s) selection:

Five people and/or organizations you hope to engage:

One stretch goal of your 9.11 Tribute Service:

ACTION STEPS FOR SUCCESS! Chapter Two

Chapter Three: Project Development

Your Action Plan

A key to service success is a calendar for your Action Plan. This should include project milestones, team meetings, Project 351 calls, STW/social media, service dates, and dates for expressing gratitude. Use this sample calendar/timeline as inspiration!

Turn the page to find your weekly planner. Make copies for each week through the week of September 11th. Then, create your Tribute Service Action Plan!

Learning from Friends & Leaders Like You Alumni Case Studies:

It is impossible to overstate the importance of our Alumni community! They lead, inspire, teach, illuminate, mentor, and encourage. Through Alumni Workshops and Case Studies, we capture their wisdom and experience as learning opportunities for you.

Alumni Case Studies highlight those who execute particularly impactful and inspiring projects. These project summaries offer best practices, models for service engagement, and ideas to adapt to best fit your school and/or community's unique strengths and assets!

We are most thankful to the following Alumni for sharing their wisdom and inspiration in our 2023 Case Studies:

Priya Kaur, Class of 2021, Newburyport

Vanston Ly, Class of 2021, Quincy

Paige Martino, Class of 2021, Lynnfield

Amari Sharma, Class of 2019, Needham

Griffin Michalak, Class of 2018, Sturbridge

Madison Oxnard & Margot Sonia, Class of 2018 & 2021, Lancaster

We also have an archive of Case Studies from past 9.11 Tribute Service years! Check out the ideas and inspiration featured in our 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2017 case studies!

Building a Team

A strong Leadership Team (LT) brings joy to your service, while ensuring you have the personpower to realize your vision with excellence! Recruit family, friends, neighbors, and other community members! They will offer a diversity of ideas, enthusiasm, and hands-on execution of priorities like STW. Host virtual or in-person meetings to delegate responsibilities and show them gratitude.

Reflect on the gifts, experiences, and interests that make your friends, family, and school/community special. Think about the skills and talent you will need on your team (creativity, communications, project management).

Next, think about the friends, clubs, organizations, and caring adults who will make your service the best it can be. Consider the size of your team and how you can most effectively mobilize them to contribute!

351 Reflection

Managing and motivating a team are two important skills of leadership. Your passion for making a difference, knowledge of the need we’re addressing, and values of kindness, respect, inclusion, and gratitude will contribute to your success as a leader. Be sure to lean on Project 351, your ALC leaders, family, and friends as you mobilize your team for action. We believe in you and are here to support you!

Three skills or strengths to demonstrate as you lead your team:

Five people to recruit as members of your Leadership Team:

One priority you have for ensuring your team is motivated, united, and focused on 9.11 Service Success:

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ACTION STEPS FOR SUCCESS!

Chapter Three

Chapter Four: Ready, Set, Serve!

Through Tribute Service, you will dedicate compassion, commitment, and creativity to honor and remember. As you prepare to execute service, the following strategies will help ensure your service success:

Community Engagement Reflection & Gratitude

STW: Spread the Word!

You already know what it takes to lead a successful service project: a strong service vision, Action Plan, passion to lead, and Spread the Word!

Ambassadors and Alumni often consider STW to be the most important strategy for service success. The goal of STW is to share your “call to service” with as many people as possible! A STW plan that is designed and executed well achieves a number of important goals:

Provides inspiration, key project information (what?, why?, for whom?), and project guidance (date, time, location) to engage your community in Tribute Service. Builds knowledge and commitment to honor and remember 9 11 and to support MMHF & local First Responders

Shares the inspiration and impact of Project 351 Conveys gratitude

There are opportunities to engage and inspire everywhere! The most effective tools are those used most frequently by your intended audience.

Use your team to brainstorm ideas. Where do your friends and community get their information: social media, local media, community and school websites, word-of-mouth, flyers, posters?

Determine key information to communicate to ensure service success. Make sure to include the WHAT, WHY, WHERE, WHEN, and HOW of your project so that the public has the info necessary to engage, donate, or participate!

Organize key tasks, deadlines, and roles. Mobilize your LT! Who can design flyers? Who will post on social media? Who has creative gratitude ideas?

Effective STW options include:

Family & Friends Zoom & Google Meet calls to inform & inspire

Social Media

Videos, posts, stories, infographics

Bright Flyers around town or in mailboxes

Local Media, such as newspapers, radio stations or TV news programs

Emails

Back-to-School events and communications -- including school newsletters and websites

Posting on community websites & calendars

Community Engagement

The Alumni Case Studies and Service Leadership Academy calls highlight best practices to inspire, recruit, and engage your community Reaching out to local Alumni or organizations such as veterans offices can help you share the joy of service and maximize both the efficiency and impact of your service As you build your Leadership Team, ask for support in STW to further your community engagement Reach out to local officials, your Superintendent and principal, and/or local media to help build awareness By reaching out to people outside of the Project 351 community, you will also build awareness of 9 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and the important mission of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund

Reflect & Appreciate

Project 351 is built on gratitude. We are grateful for the privilege of service. Thankful for the opportunity to unite as a community. And, appreciative always for those who encourage, inspire, motivate, and make possible our efforts to make a meaningful difference in our communities and Commonwealth. Our service is not complete until we express appreciation with sincerity, creativity, and authenticity. By sharing gratitude, we hope to bring joy to others, foster unity, and encourage continued service.

Appreciate

1. Create a Gratitude List

Work with your Leadership Team to complete the list of those who helped you with 9 11 Service team members, Educators, School Administrators, caring adults, friends, and family Use the Gratitude List grid (on the next page) to organize your ideas and the people you want to appreciate

2. Create Meaningful Ways to Appreciate Everyone

Brainstorm creative and fun ideas to share the impact and inspiration of your service. Morning announcements, the website of your partner or host site, social media…these are all opportunities to say, “Thank you for your service!"

Thank You Notes

Hand-written notes are always a winner! Here are some letter-writing tips:

Be specific about why you are thanking this special individual. What role did they play?

How did they contribute to service success or your growth as a leader?

Share the positive impact this individual helped create. Highlight the quantity of donations collected.

Reflect on the specific communities or people that your project served and the positive impact you have made. Include a photo of your team or a picture of your donations. Inspire them to continue to serve with words of encouragement. Hand deliver or mail your notes!

Small Gifts

Bake a batch of brownies, cookies, or other treats Pitch in and buy a bouquet of flowers for the caring adult who supported your Leadership Team Be creative and personal! Take pictures or video during delivery of your gifts, and then amplify your appreciation on social media!

Social Media

Use the social media accounts of your Leadership Team and other supporters to express appreciation to individuals, organizations, and the community

Engage others perhaps your Mayor, City Manager, and School Superintendent will help you share gratitude!

Express appreciation with Project 351 post pictures and stories to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media and tag #P351 and #HonorAndRemember

With your community share your team’s story and the impact you made in a local paper and on social media

With your school celebrate and appreciate the support of your school, on the school website and social media, or through morning announcements. Put up a Thank You banner with impact numbers at the entrance of your school or in the cafeteria. With your family thank them for their support and think of new ways to serve together. Brainstorming future service projects is a great dinner table topic!

Appreciating those who supported your service is a great way to STW about the difference your community has made & to inspire continued service!

9.11 Tribute Service Gratitude List

Final Reflections

Recording personal reflections is an important source of insight and motivation. While 9.11 Service may be ending, our service journey continues as we prepare for Fall Service and #35ONE Day!

Three “roses” from your Tribute Service:

Five Leadership Lessons you’ve learned from your LT and from the knowledge you gained from the heartbreak and hope of September 11th:

One best practice you’ll incorporate into future service efforts:

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Chapter Four ACTION STEPS FOR SUCCESS!

Very Special Thanks

Our Partner & Inspiration:

Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and the families, troops, and veterans we are honored to serve.

2023 Case Studies:

Priya Kaur, Class of 2021, Newburyport

Vanston Ly, Class of 2021, Quincy

Paige Martino, Class of 2021, Lynnfield

Amari Sharma, Class of 2019, Needham

Griffin Michalak, Class of 2018, Sturbridge

Madison Oxnard & Margot Sonia, Classes of 2018 and 2021, Lancaster

To the families of the loved ones lost on September 11, 2001, and as a result of military service since… We will never forget.

Appendix A: Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund 501(c)3 Letter

Team members leading fundraising efforts or requesting donations/support from businesses may be asked by a potential donor for a “tax exempt letter” or “tax documentation”. So... what are they referring to? Great question!

Trust is the foundation of a nonprofit’s relationship with its supporters. When people donate, they want to make sure their investment will be used as promised. A tax exempt letter also known as “tax documentation” or a “501(c)3 letter” is communication from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that confirms an organization’s nonprofit status. Additionally, donations to nonprofit organizations often provide a tax benefit for the supporting business or individual. So, they will request this document to verify their donation.

You can find the tax exempt letter for the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund on the next two pages. It will also be available on the 9.11 Tribute Service Resource Hub. You can print or email this document for businesses and individuals, as requested.