In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, Jay Winuk, co-founder and Executive Vice President of 9/11 Day, joins hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio to explore how a day born from tragedy became one of the nation’s largest days of service.
Jay’s brother, Glenn, was a volunteer firefighter and EMT who was killed while responding at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Inspired by Glenn’s life of service and the unity that followed the attacks, Jay and co-founder David Paine began a grassroots effort to transform the anniversary into a day dedicated to remembrance and doing good.
Twenty-five years later, 9/11 Day brings together individuals, nonprofits, companies, schools, sports organizations, and communities across the country. Jay shares how coalition building, accessible opportunities to participate, and a commitment to remaining nonpartisan helped the observance grow. He also discusses the importance of engaging younger generations who have no personal memories of the attacks, while ensuring the meaning behind the day is never lost.
Together, Jay, Kerrin, and Tim offer a moving look at how service can preserve memory while building something meaningful for the future. The conversation is a reminder that movements can begin with a simple idea, and that every person has the ability to make a difference.
Listen to the full episode of Untapped Philanthropy to hear Jay Winuk’s story and insights in his own words.
For more information on Jay and his work, visit:
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Tim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter.
Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.
Download the episode transcript here.