What is myGoodDeed.org?
myGoodDeed.org is the official Web site of myGoodDeed Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization leading the effort to establish 9/11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity and good deeds. Our mission is simple: to encourage people everywhere to set aside time every 9/11 to perform good deeds of their choice to help others in need. In this way, we hope to keep alive forever, in our memories and actions, the spirit of giving and selfless service that unified our nation following the terrorist attacks.

Didn't you operate until this year under the Web site address OneDaysPay.org?
Yes. We decided to change to myGoodDeed.org because some people told us they were confused about what we meant by the term "one day's pay." Some thought we were requesting money. Our purpose has always been to encourage people to perform at least one good deed on or around 9/11, as a way to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11, and that's why we ultimately changed the name of the initiative to myGoodDeed.org.

Why are your encouraging good deeds and service in general?
We want to ensure that something positive comes from the tragedy of 9/11 and we couldn't think of a better way to do that than to establish 9/11 as a day where people come together to help each other, just as they did in response to the tragedy on September 11, 2001.

How do I participate?
If you'd like to join the effort, it's easy. Simply visit myGoodDeed.org and post your planned good deed for 9/11. It is completely free, non-binding and confidential. You won't be sent any spam e-mail. Check out our ideas for further guidance or to find opportunities in your community.

What if I cannot do something that day? Can I do something another day?
Absolutely. The spirit of myGoodDeed.org is for you to commit to doing something good for someone else. So if you are busy on 9/11, simply make a plan on that day to do something at another time that's more convenient. We are encouraging as many as possible to participate in activities during the week of 9/11. For instance, you could contact your local volunteer center (www.1800volunteer.org) and offer to help later in the week, or the following week. Or you could simply make an appointment for later with the Red Cross or local Blood Center to give blood.

If I plan to do something on my own, why do I still need to post my good deed on your Web site?
You don't. Your posting simply helps us know how many people are participating and what people are doing to remember 9/11. We like to share some of these ideas on our Web site (when people give us permission to do so).

Do people have to select from certain charities or volunteer opportunities available through myGoodDeed.org?
No. People can decide for themselves what they want to do and make their own arrangements. However, myGoodDeed.org includes many resources and some toolkits to help individuals and organizations plan their own activities.

Are people required to donate money or volunteer?
People decide for themselves what they want their good deed to be. The principle is to help others in need and however you decide to do that is up to you. You certainly don't need to donate any money. You can help a neighbor, volunteer your time, donate clothing or eyewear you don't need, make an appointment to give blood or engage in some other activity that benefits another person. There are literally thousands of things you can do. It's all about recreating the spirit of unity and compassion we shared after 9/11.

Do people need to know what they intend to do on 9/11 to post their intention to perform a good deed?
No. A pledge to perform a good deed is merely a non-binding statement of intention to engage in a service activity on or around 9/11. You need not include a description of your plans if you do not know them.

Are you suggesting that companies close on 9/11?
No. Organizations like employers can participate in this observance simply by encouraging their employees to post good deeds on their site or ours. Or organizations can plan their own "good deed" projects, such as running a clothing, canned food or toy drive, or allowing employees, on a one-time basis, a little extra paid or unpaid time off for community service activities, just as many companies allow people time to vote or participate in jury duty. Many companies are simply integrating this observance with existing plans for volunteerism.

Why was myGoodDeed formed?
myGoodDeed was originally formed shortly after the terrorist attacks by a group that included relatives of 9/11 victims, business leaders and others who felt compelled to find a lasting way to pay tribute to victims and heroes of 9/11. Today, myGoodDeed has become an international organization encouraging people everywhere to respond to terrorism through acts of service, compassion and good deeds.

Who is behind myGoodDeed and the new initiative myGoodDeed.org?
A consortium of relatives of 9/11 victims, leading nonprofit organizations and business and community leaders make up the Board of Directors and National Advisory Board of myGoodDeed. See About Us for more information on board members and the organization.

Is this initiative or myGoodDeed affiliated with any charity?
No. myGoodDeed is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of California, and is not linked to any specific charitable organization.

Has myGoodDeed received its tax-exempt status?
Yes. myGoodDeed received approval of its 501(c)(3) status by the IRS and the states of California and New York, its principal places of business.

How is myGoodDeed.org and myGoodDeed supported financially?
myGoodDeed is supported by private contributions of its founders and friends, by significant donations of in-kind support by suppliers, and by grants and in-kind support provided graciously by corporations, including Ambac, KPMG, American Express, KBW and others.

What do you do with my personal information and good deed pledge?
Information you provide is strictly confidential and not shared unless you grant us specific permission to do so. We do not sell or release our mailing lists to anyone. See our Privacy Policy for more information.