"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone directly and indirectly impacted by the human losses. It is important that we take time to recognize what has happened and honor our feelings of grief, fear and anger."

--Charles H. Casey, Dean and Director,
University of Minnesota Extension Serivice
September 11, 2001

• The Family Stress Series Publications that examine some stressful situations and outline positive ways for families to deal with stress.

• My Friend Died and I Didn't Even Get a Chance To Say Goodbye Facing the sudden death of someone you care about is especially difficult for young people who experience a tragic and unexpected loss.

• Terrorism and Children – When War is in the News Judith Myers-Walls, a Purdue University Extension specialist in child development and family studies, has researched children's reactions to wars and disasters and offers advice for parents and others.

• Talking with Children During Tough Times An article in English and Spanish from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
  Hablar con Niños - Cuando el Hablar Se Hace Difícil

• Strategies to Assist Children to Manage Stress North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

• Understanding Children -- Fears Iowa State University Extension publication (PDF) addresses common fears and how parents can help.

• When Children Grieve - Susan Black
  
  
• 9/11 as History Lesson plans you can download to help youth, parents, and educators address the anniversary of September 11 with resiliency and hope.
  
  
• The Pain of Losing a Parent - Steven C. Schlozman
  
  
• Coping with a National Tragedy Web resources from the National Association of School Psychologists, including a handout in English, and Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
  
  
• Hospice Foundation of America Sudden Loss Resources focus on grief after sudden and traumatic loss
  
  
• Families Coping with Traumatic Events Family Information Services articles available free on thier website.
  
  
• Helping Children and Adolescents after a Disaster Information gathered by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to assist parents and children in dealing with the events of September 11, 2001.
  
  
• After the storm, children play out fears Past disasters teach us about post-traumatic play, according to the American Psychological Association.
  
  
• Tragic Times, Healing Words Advice from Sesame Street Parents
  
  
• Tolerance.org has a goal to awaken people of all ages to the problem of hate and intolerance and to prompt them to act in thier homes, schools, businesses and communities.
  
  
• Talking with Kids about the News Children Now works to improve the quality of news and entertainment media both for children and concerning children's issues.

In light of tragedy, Extension's role more vital than ever

-- Juan Moreno, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
University of Minnesota Extension Serivice

"In light of the tragic events that we are experiencing in our nation at the present time, I believe that it is a good time for our organization to play a key role in the preservation of an authentic sense of community for all Minnesotans." [more...]

Other Extension and University Materials

• Aftermath of Attack on America: The Healing Process Eight full-length media articles from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service

• Talking About Acceptance Activities for building tolerance and acceptance, North Carolina Cooperative Extension

• Center for Democracy and Citizenship A special section devoted to September 11, 2001 Civic Perspectives

• 101 Tools for Tolerance Simple ideas for promoting equity and diversity, for individuals, families, organizations and communities from Tolerance.org

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

There are about 5 to 7 million Muslims living in the United States, the vast majority of whom are U.S. citizens. The Muslim community throughout the United States and around the world have expressed outrage and sympathy in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Excerpt from remarks by President Bush in telephone conversation with New York Mayor Guiliani and New York Governor Pataki

I know I don't need to tell you all this, but our nation must be mindful that there are thousands of Arab-Americans who live in New York City who love their flag just as much as the three of us do. And we must be mindful that as we seek to win the war that we treat Arab-Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve. I know that is your attitude, as well; it's certainly the attitude of this government, that we should not hold one who is a Muslim responsible for an act of terror. We will hold those who are responsible for the terrorist acts accountable, and those who harbor them.

"Islam is an Arabic word meaning submission to God..."

-- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

"As a religion Islam calls for complete acceptance of and submission to the teachings and guidance of God. The word has connotations of peace and wholeness. It has the same root as 'salam' – peace." [Read more...]

• The Ambiguous Loss Project, Prof. Pauline Boss Ambiguous loss is the most difficult loss to cope with because without clear information and certainty, even strong people become ambivalent and can't decide what to do next.

• Ambiguous loss may affect both farm familes, those missing loved ones Ambiguous loss affects Minnesota farm families facing an uncertain future. It's also a problem for anyone who is missing family member, friends or co-workers in New York or Washington D.C.

Other Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency covers all disasters and emergencies, from earthquakes to terrorism.

• Minneapolis Red Cross

• American Red Cross of the St. Paul Area

• American Red Cross

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies