Minutes from January 22, 2026 25th Commemoration Meeting , Part 1

Storytelling, Media & Public Narrative

Develop a series of op-eds or columns by PT members to be syndicated and pitched to media ahead of the anniversary.

Explore a StoryCorps-style project to record and preserve voices of PT members in perpetuity.

Consider a storytelling focus on how 9/11 has been taught over time, including reflections from educators and students.

Ensure anniversary messaging addresses the passage of time and evolving perspectives on 9/11.

Education & Public Programming

Launch a webinar series, starting with the Islamophobia Committee's "Important Conversations for Peace," in April, another in the summer, and end with one focused on peace and the long-term lessons of 9/11.

Develop a webinar for educators on how to teach 9/11 in classrooms, with potential for rebroadcast and long-term use.

Create or update educational materials connected to 9/11 and peace building.

Revisit and potentially revive "Big Pages for Peace" or similar classroom-based projects.

Public Actions & Commemorations

Explore the possibility of a Walk for Peace tied to the 25th commemoration, potentially involving multi-faith participation and organizational partners.

Reflect on PT's history of walks and public actions as a foundation for renewed engagement.

Consider incorporating memorials or moments of remembrance during public actions to honor loved ones, first responders, and others impacted after 9/11.

Understanding that large-scale public actions would require significant logistical planning and capacity assessment, we should discuss this further.

Advocacy & Coalition-Building

Build on existing efforts to declassify 9/11-related materials, recognizing bipartisan support and broader impacts of overclassification.

Strengthen connections with other 9/11 family groups and allied communities in advance of the 25th anniversary.

Explore the possibility of a lobbying or advocacy day in Washington, DC, introducing policymakers and staff to 9/11 family voices.

Identify opportunities to connect advocacy around 9/11 health care, accountability, and justice.

As a reminder, the Rule of Law Committee did reach out to NYC Mayor Mamdani, if you would like more information, please reach out to the committee co-chairs. 

Speakers & Organizational Readiness

Update a core list of speakers willing to participate in public events, media, and educational programming related to the 25th commemoration.

Reassess and strengthen the Speakers Bureau, including identifying topic areas and comfort levels for public discussion.

Existing Assets

Review and consider reusing or re-contextualizing existing PT materials, including the film “Steps to Peace” (early 2000s) amongst others that are on our website.