title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE IRVING PARK YMCA LEADERS CLUB
WHEREAS, the founder of the Irving Park YMCA Leaders Club, Lauren Reed, was motivated to start the chapter in 2013 as a volunteer after having a positive experiencing with her Leaders Club growing up; and
WHEREAS, the Leaders Club is a teen-led group that meets regularly to make the world a better place, choosing their projects based on the interests and passions of the group with guidance and support from an adult advisor; and
WHEREAS, the club goes far beyond their mission as a volunteer-based club by providing an opportunity for the youth to structure the club based on their own personal and professional growth and needs, making each cohort and year with the club unique; and
WHEREAS, the club emphasizes civic leadership through their list of guest speakers that include government leaders within Cook County & the City of Chicago and opportunities to connect with them for professional & educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, these youth leaders valiantly stepped up and partnered with organizations to strengthen their Chicago neighborhoods by participating in mutual aid, helping residents complete rental assistant applications, and providing youth perspective in community forums; and
WHEREAS, youth leaders have created and led many community events, such as a Truly Open Mic Night which made space for youth within their community to speak their minds and express their talents; and
WHEREAS, the club has become a safe space for youth to fully embrace themselves and to be seen & heard by their community; and
WHEREAS, the club has been able to keep a network of alumni because of the large, positive, and irreplaceable impact the club has made in their lives, with some alumni coming back to support the club directly or even become staff members and support them in the long run; and
WHEREAS, the youth leaders have expressed their most sincere gratitude to Lauren for going beyond the role as a club advisor by providing each of them guidance on how they can build strong foundations for their bright futures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County President and Board of Commissioners does hereby honor the Irving Park YMCA Leaders Club for devoting their time to improve the communities they come from; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the organization as an expression of our gratitude and esteem.
end