About this project
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, The Holding Frames will host an expanded, community-centered activation of Spirit of 9/12 on September 12, 2026 — a youth-led day of service rooted in healing, connection, and the simple, powerful act of showing up for one another. The event will take place at Washington Market Park in Lower Manhattan, just blocks from the World Trade Center site — a place that holds deep personal and collective meaning. At its core, this project engages youth and community members in creating healing art that serves communities in crisis across the country — transforming remembrance into a tangible act of care. Spirit of 9/12 is grounded in the belief that while many young people today did not live through September 11, they can still carry forward what came after — the way people showed up for each other, the sense of unity, and the instinct to care for strangers as if they were neighbors. This day is about making that spirit tangible again. Here is what the day looks like: Youth Ambassadors (approximately 10–15 young people recruited from PS 234 Independence School, neighboring schools, and communities across New York City and beyond) will serve as project leaders — welcoming participants, guiding the art-making process, and helping shape the tone of the day. These are not passive participants; youth actively lead and co-create the experience. Participants will engage in a facilitated, trauma-informed art-making process using The Holding Frames’ FRAME Method (Finding Resilience After Major Events). Together, they will paint wooden frames and write messages of care, hope, and connection. No artistic experience is needed — the activity is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all ages. The event opens with a brief, youth-led reflection on the meaning of September 11, grounded in the personal connection of THF co-founder Cait Leavey, whose father, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, was killed on 9/11. This is not a lecture, but a short, honest moment that invites participants to reflect on what it means to show up for others — and why that still matters today. From there, participants move into action. Completed artwork is packaged on-site by youth volunteers and prepared for shipment to communities across the country navigating crisis — including disaster-impacted areas, communities affected by violence, and those carrying long-term grief. Recipients are identified through THF’s ongoing community relationships. The project extends beyond 9/12. Youth Ambassadors will participate in a follow-up session where they track where their frames were delivered, hear from recipient communities, and reflect on their experience — reinforcing the connection between remembrance and impact. They will also share their reflections through a short presentation or written piece in their school or community. Target: 200+ participants, 300+ completed healing art pieces, delivery to 4–6 recipient communities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Setup Crew
Help prepare the event space before volunteers arrive. This physically active role includes transporting tables, chairs, tents, banners, art supplies, and other materials from vehicles into the park. Volunteers will also help assemble tents and arrange tables and signs. Because there is no direct vehicle access to the gazebo, volunteers must be comfortable carrying supplies over a distance. Ability to lift and carry bulky items is helpful.
Holding Frames Greeter & Project Guide
Welcome participants to the Holding Frames project and explain its purpose. Before giving each participant a frame, volunteers will provide a brief, approximately 30-second explanation of who the frames are being created for and the meaning behind the project. This role is ideal for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers who are comfortable speaking with individuals and small groups.
Event Floater
Provide flexible support wherever it is needed most. Floaters may cover another volunteer’s break, replenish supplies, assist at busy tables, direct participants, carry materials, or help resolve small issues during the event. This role is best for adaptable, proactive volunteers who are comfortable changing tasks throughout their shift.
Drying & Sorting Station
Receive completed frames and prepare them for the next stage of the project. Volunteers will organize items in the drying area, monitor available space, carefully move dry pieces, and sort completed work according to the designated community or recipient group. Volunteers should be careful, organized, and comfortable handling artwork.
Table Facilitator
Support participants at one of the project tables throughout the event. Facilitators will explain the activity, answer questions, keep the table organized, replace water and supplies, remove used layers of table covering, and help manage spills or messes. Volunteers should enjoy helping others and be comfortable maintaining a clean, welcoming workspace.
Supply & Paint Station
Manage the event’s shared art materials and paint supplies. Volunteers will distribute paint and other materials, replenish supplies as needed, keep the station organized, and help prevent waste or spills. This role requires attention to detail and comfort working with art materials.
Welcome & Check-In
Create a warm first impression for event participants. Volunteers will greet guests, assist with check-in, explain The Spirit of 9/12 and the day’s activities, answer basic questions, and direct participants to the appropriate project stations. Volunteers should be friendly, organized, and comfortable speaking with the public.
Participant
Join us as a participant in The Holding Frame, a hands-on community art activity presented by The Spirit of 9/12. Participants will decorate a frame while learning about the person or community for whom it is being created and the meaning behind the project. No art experience is necessary, and all materials and instructions will be provided. Individuals, families, and participants of all ages are welcome. Come create, connect with your neighbors, and turn remembrance into a meaningful act of service.
Holding Frames Greeter & Project Guide
Welcome participants to the Holding Frames project and explain its purpose. Before giving each participant a frame, volunteers will provide a brief, approximately 30-second explanation of who the frames are being created for and the meaning behind the project. This role is ideal for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers who are comfortable speaking with individuals and small groups.
Drying & Sorting Station
Receive completed frames and prepare them for the next stage of the project. Volunteers will organize items in the drying area, monitor available space, carefully move dry pieces, and sort completed work according to the designated community or recipient group. Volunteers should be careful, organized, and comfortable handling artwork.
Event Floater
Provide flexible support wherever it is needed most. Floaters may cover another volunteer’s break, replenish supplies, assist at busy tables, direct participants, carry materials, or help resolve small issues during the event. This role is best for adaptable, proactive volunteers who are comfortable changing tasks throughout their shift.
Supply & Paint Station
Manage the event’s shared art materials and paint supplies. Volunteers will distribute paint and other materials, replenish supplies as needed, keep the station organized, and help prevent waste or spills. This role requires attention to detail and comfort working with art materials.
Table Facilitator
Support participants at one of the project tables throughout the event. Facilitators will explain the activity, answer questions, keep the table organized, replace water and supplies, remove used layers of table covering, and help manage spills or messes. Volunteers should enjoy helping others and be comfortable maintaining a clean, welcoming workspace.
Participant
Join us as a participant in The Holding Frame, a hands-on community art activity presented by The Spirit of 9/12. Participants will decorate a frame while learning about the person or community for whom it is being created and the meaning behind the project. No art experience is necessary, and all materials and instructions will be provided. Individuals, families, and participants of all ages are welcome. Come create, connect with your neighbors, and turn remembrance into a meaningful act of service.
Welcome & Check in
Create a warm first impression for event participants. Volunteers will greet guests, assist with check-in, explain The Spirit of 9/12 and the day’s activities, answer basic questions, and direct participants to the appropriate project stations. Volunteers should be friendly, organized, and comfortable speaking with the public.
Event Floater
Provide flexible support wherever it is needed most. Floaters may cover another volunteer’s break, replenish supplies, assist at busy tables, direct participants, carry materials, or help resolve small issues during the event. This role is best for adaptable, proactive volunteers who are comfortable changing tasks throughout their shift.
Drying & Sorting Station
Receive completed frames and prepare them for the next stage of the project. Volunteers will organize items in the drying area, monitor available space, carefully move dry pieces, and sort completed work according to the designated community or recipient group. Volunteers should be careful, organized, and comfortable handling artwork.
Holding Frames Greeter & Project Guide
Welcome participants to the Holding Frames project and explain its purpose. Before giving each participant a frame, volunteers will provide a brief, approximately 30-second explanation of who the frames are being created for and the meaning behind the project. This role is ideal for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers who are comfortable speaking with individuals and small groups.
Participant
Join us as a participant in The Holding Frame, a hands-on community art activity presented by The Spirit of 9/12. Participants will decorate a frame while learning about the person or community for whom it is being created and the meaning behind the project. No art experience is necessary, and all materials and instructions will be provided. Individuals, families, and participants of all ages are welcome. Come create, connect with your neighbors, and turn remembrance into a meaningful act of service.
Supply & Paint Station
Manage the event’s shared art materials and paint supplies. Volunteers will distribute paint and other materials, replenish supplies as needed, keep the station organized, and help prevent waste or spills. This role requires attention to detail and comfort working with art materials.
Table Facilitator
Support participants at one of the project tables throughout the event. Facilitators will explain the activity, answer questions, keep the table organized, replace water and supplies, remove used layers of table covering, and help manage spills or messes. Volunteers should enjoy helping others and be comfortable maintaining a clean, welcoming workspace.
Welcome & Check in
Create a warm first impression for event participants. Volunteers will greet guests, assist with check-in, explain The Spirit of 9/12 and the day’s activities, answer basic questions, and direct participants to the appropriate project stations. Volunteers should be friendly, organized, and comfortable speaking with the public.
Cleanup Crew
Help restore the event space after activities conclude. Volunteers will break down tents, tables, banners, and stations; pack supplies; collect trash; and transport materials out of the park to vehicles or the U-Haul. Because there is no direct vehicle access to the gazebo, volunteers should be comfortable carrying items over a distance. Ability to lift and carry bulky materials is helpful.