title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SERVICE RECOGNITION DAY AND HONORING LOCAL CHICAGO SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and central to how we meet our challenges; and,
WHEREAS, national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing education, career skills, and leadership abilities for those who serve; and,
WHEREAS, Service volunteers address the most pressing challenges facing our communities, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century, to fighting the opioid epidemic, to responding to natural disasters, to supporting veterans and military families; and,
WHEREAS, The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) serves millions of individuals of all ages and backgrounds help meet local needs through a wide array of service opportunities, including projects in: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families; and,
WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants serve in more than 50,000 locations across the country, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our economic and social well-being; and,
WHEREAS, City Year Chicago recently deployed 206 highly skilled AmeriCorps members to serve in 24 schools in the south and west sides of Chicago, which helped transform the future for nearly 14,600 students; and,
WHEREAS, VISTA Corps’ Legal Aid focused-participants demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service in the legal community, a commitment that remains with them in their future endeavors; and,
WHEREAS, Serve Illinois promotes and supports community service in public and private programs to meet the needs of Illinois citizens, to stimulate new volunteerism and community service initiatives and partnerships, and to serve as a resource and advocate within the Department of Public Health for community service agencies, volunteers, and programs which utilize State and private volunteers; and,
WHEREAS, Campus Compact is a national coalition of 1,000+ colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education, building democracy through civic education and community development; and,
WHEREAS, The faith-focused organization Ignatian Volunteer Corps has volunteers serving in close to 50 partner agencies working with youth and young adults in education and mentoring programs, refugee and immigrant services, women’s and children’s services and hospital and prison ministry.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaim April 3, 2018, as National Service Recognition Day, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our community and to thank those who serve.end