Nine years ago, on September 11th, Betsy Wiggins and Danya Wellmon separately watched as the twin towers burned and fell and like most, felt hopeless. Wanting to take action but not quite sure what to do, it wasn’t until these two women were introduced through intermediaries that they realized what that action would be. After long and engaged conversations they came up with “Women Transcending Boundaries” (WTB), an organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and improving treatment of Muslims after the attacks.

Since then, the group has had great success and has grown enormously. It has sponsored blood drives, international dinners, lectures, and other events geared towards community-building. However, nothing as ambitious as A-OK (Acts of Kindness) Weekend has been undertaken. On September 11 and 12, in remembrance of the ninth anniversary of the attacks, over four months of ceaseless organizing and consummate optimism will result in an incredible gift of service for the Syracuse community.

About 100 community groups have committed to undertake projects throughout the region on that weekend. Several hundred individuals will gather at seven hubs and then disperse throughout the city and engage in work with diverse groups of people. Participants will clean up parks, create community gardens, paint murals, collect non-perishables, repair bikes to be given to refugees, create a children’s labyrinth at the Jowonio School, and much more.

A variety of projects will also engage the art and cultural movement happening in Syracuse. Some special initiatives of mention include:

o A documentary about the weekend, which will be created by the Syracuse International Film Festival.
o “Art-in-Motion,” a collaborative effort among Imagining America, Open Hand Theater and Syracuse Stage. Venture down to 500 S. Franklin Street from 1-5pm on September 11, and watch a large-scale puppet show and experimental projects of conversations and performances that activate the arts and strengthen community connections.
o Installation of a commissioned public art piece created by Tom Huff, a Cayuga-Seneca artist and resident of the Onondaga Nation. On September 11, from 9-11:30am and 1:30-4pm, volunteers will gather at the Zen Center on 266 West Seneca Turnpike to clear the brush around this piece to ensure that it can be seen and enjoyed by the public.
o “Heart-Beat” drumming session at Forman Park. Join the Rapha Community (with or without a drum) on September 11, from 1-3pm, and call in kindness and joy.

The weekend will culminate on Sunday, September 12, at 4:30pm, with a drumming and dancing celebration on the quad at Syracuse University.

SU and the Central New York Community Foundation are both getting involved, and Wiggins said many local companies are still suggesting projects and promising volunteers. Everyone is looking forward to a reflective and fun weekend that will not only bring visible changes to the community, but will create long-lasting relationships.

If you would like to support Acts of Kindness Weekend in any way, visit www.wtb.org, or contact Betsy Wiggins at bwiggins@twcny.rr.com or (315) 446-1694.