National Volunteer Week is April 18 - 24

It's that time of year again! A time when nonprofit organizations across the nation will be celebrating the volunteers who help them be great. National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate volunteers' accomplishments and honor their dedication to giving back.

Now would also be a great time to let the message of volunteerism spread by taking some time to get the people in your life involved. Whether you help them find a volunteer opportunity, or you invite them to join you, take a moment to help them connect with a cause that they're passionate about.

September 11: Service and Remembrance

September 11, 2001 was a day of tragedy. In response, many people rallied as one to support families who had lost loved ones and to help in recovery efforts. A powerful spirit of service and sacrifice united a nation -- ever so briefly. The echo of that impulse to help still remains, as September 11th is now officially designated a National Day Of Service and Remembrance.

My own vision of volunteerism changed as a result of what happened eight years ago. We each have a personal story about 9/11: where we were and how we felt. But it is perhaps more important to remember 9/12 and the successive days, when individuals joined in community with each other. Yes, let's remember that lesson.

Opportunities to work towards positive social change abound. A great video linking the Twin Towers tragedy to how we can personally help people is here. I invite you to watch: