Commemoration & Advocacy
Commemoration, remembrance activities and the arts can all contribute to the healing process of individuals and communities impacted by mass violence. VOICES hosts an annual September 9 Symposium and September 10 Information Forum in NYC to inform the 9/11 community, and promotes commemorative ceremonies in communities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
VOICES also continues to be a non-partisan advocate for sensible changes in public policy that make America safer, emphasizing the importance of applying the lessons learned in each disaster event. Among its focus areas, VOICES will encourage the adoption of disaster plans that include long-term care for families and survivors.
VOICES 9/11 Living Memorial chronicles the lives of the 2,983 individuals killed on 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and also documents stories of survivors. Our staff traveled to dozens of communities to meet with over 1,600 families to assist them in the emotional, but therapeutic process of creating a meaningful tribute to their deceased loved ones. Families shared photographs, personal mementos, and most importantly, fond memories of their loved ones.
Since its founding, VOICES has been a forceful advocate for victims' families, survivors, and responders and a proponent for public policy reforms with a primary focus on victims’ rights, mental health care, memorialization, national security and preparedness.
Commemoration, remembrance activities and the arts can all contribute to the healing process of individuals and communities impacted by mass violence.