• Maintain an appropriate period of time following the events that have been experienced with a focus on mourning and remembrance for those who have died and those who grieve their loss. This may necessitate cancellation or postponement of already scheduled events to a more suitable and appropriate date in the future. Much of this has occurred or is already occurring.
  
  
• Participate in invitations extended to come together and express sadness, remembrance, and worship in memory of those who have died and those who grieve their loss. Such invitations may include memorial services, community gatherings, or other symbolic expressions of unity and remembrance.
  
  
• Find ways to express your feelings that are appropriate and let others know of your support for those who have been the victims of this tragedy. This may include sending cards or letters of support as a community or group, wearing clothing or symbols of remembrance at a certain time, donating money or needed materials to appropriate relief organizations as a group, or displaying symbols such as the American flag or other symbolic expressions of support.
  
  
• Discuss feelings that have followed the events of Tuesday with others and share ideas as to how you and others may respond in a community effort. Exchange of ideas and feelings allows for removal of a sense of isolation, reinforces bonds of mutual understanding, and fosters opportunity for learning about helpful ways to respond as a group.
  
  
• Plan both short-term and long-term efforts that community members may participate in as a reminder of Tuesday’s tragedy and a commitment to mutual support and recovery. Such efforts may include gathering and delivery of needed materials, annual observance of a day or time of remembrance, or annual service or peacemaking efforts to promote understanding and peace.
  
  
• Establish memorial symbols in remembrance of those whose lives were lost and their loved ones. This may include planting of trees or creation of memorial gardens; dedication of facilities in their honor; or specific plaques or sites in honor of the victims.
  
  
• Set up memorial scholarships, monetary donations, or other financial support to provide both immediate and continuing support to the families of those who had family members that died on Tuesday.
  
  
• Conduct service toward one another or as a group in support of others in memory of those who lost their lives on Tuesday. In doing so, remind yourselves that these acts will not take away from you and your community the expression of love, humanity, and caring. In doing so, let your hands become engaged in good works that those who lost their lives will no longer have the opportunity to perform.

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Source: Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143, sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard.Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu