This week marks the 20-year anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. The divisiveness in our country was glaring. Hate crimes against Muslims spiked 500 percent from 2000 – 2009. Despite many positive things in the last 20 years, divisiveness remains a constant. In the last year alone, we’ve been divided as a country with the racial reckoning of last summer, a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans and opinions on the evacuation from Afghanistan. 

We are reflecting on 9/11 and finding hope in all of the ways people are coming together to support our neighbors. 

• Support Muslim families still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Connect with Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) to provide food assistance, grocery delivery and other help for seniors. 

• Tutor refugee students. Help young people gain the literacy and academic skills to thrive. Willing to make a three-month commitment of 8 – 16 hours per week? We’d love to hear from you!

• Volunteer to help Afghan families. Many Special Immigrant Visa holders fleeing Afghanistan are being welcomed to the Seattle area. Volunteer to help with services like apartment set-ups, transportation or meal delivery. 

• Stop AAPI Hate tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

• Donate to the Black Community Building Collective. A group of 15 Black nonprofit leaders have come together to determine how United Way funding will be directed to support equitable recovery and the long-term viability of King County’s Black community. This approach cedes decision-making power to the communities directly impacted—and is a paradigm shift. Donate today to show your support. 

Have other ideas on how to LIVE UNITED? Let us know!