Every year, AmeriCorps members across the country participate in community service projects for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. This Day of Service was created to honor the sacrifices made in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.
This year, the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Cohort spent the Day of Service focused on emergency preparedness, taught by an instructor from the Red Cross. Members then prepared and gave out emergency kits to children and their families at Neighborhood Youth Services, Valley Youth Center, and the Boys and Girls Club
During the presentation from American Red Cross Instructor Owen, members learned how to Be Red Cross Ready by making an emergency kit, creating a plan in case of an emergency, and learning how to be safe in the disasters that are likely to occur in our area. Additionally, members learned how to talk to youth about preparedness in preparation for distributing kits.
At the distribution sites, Neighborhood Youth Services, Valley Youth Center, and the Boys and Girls Club, VISTA members enjoyed connecting with the youth. Members showed the children how to use the various preparedness tools and helped them make their own kits. Following kit distribution, members returned to Eco3 for a reflection on the events of September 11, 2001 and their own disaster preparedness.
Emergency preparedness is not limited to AmeriCorps members! We invite everyone to take the first step toward being prepared by creating an emergency kit. To learn more about emergency preparedness in the Twin Ports region, visit www.readynorth.com.
The Eco3 VISTA Corps extends a thank you to our 9/11 Day of Service Sponsors!
