* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Baltimore City Celebration of 2006 National Volunteer Week, April 23-29
FOR the purpose of celebrating 2006 National Volunteer Week in recognition of the many men, women, and children who donate countless hours, untold material resources, and immeasurable emotional and spiritual support to help those less economically, socially, or spiritually blessed than the more fortunate among us; and requesting the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Children, Youth, and Families to compile an official list of those looking to volunteer their services to the City of Baltimore.
Body
Recitals
National Volunteer Week began in 1974, when a Presidential executive order established the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation and has been joined by governors, mayors and other elected officials in promoting National Volunteer Week. This year's celebration is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation as a way of thanking 1 of America's most valuable assets - our volunteers - and calling the public's attention to all that volunteers do to improve communities across the country.
Independent Sector, a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation, estimates that the total value of hours volunteered nationally, in 2005, was equivalent to approximately $280 billion, based on an estimated value of $18.04 an hour.
The Department of Labor estimates that over 40,000 people each year are searching for opportunities to volunteer their services and, of these, 8,000 actually find meaningful opportunities to give back to their communities. It is estimated that as many as from 40% to 70% of adults volunteer at some point in their life time.
Baltimore City, like cities, towns, and counties across this nation, could not prosper without its volunteers. From the "soccer moms" that provide transportation and encouragement to budding athletes and the Boy and Girl Scouts leaders that shape the ethics of our youth, to the Little League and Football Dads that scream 'encouragement' from off-field, America reverberates with the enthusiasm of the sidelines.
Volunteers' services are essential in providing food and comfort to the sick and shut-in, in transporting health care workers during inclement weather, and ferrying the elderly and infirm to places of worship. Volunteers are always there in the times of most urgent need - through flood, famine, pandemic, or terrorist attack.
In order to properly pay homage to and utilize the services of volunteers in Baltimore City, the Mayor's Office of Children Youth and Families will provide an invaluable service in compiling a list of all who wish to un-selflessly donate their time and assets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body celebrates 2006 National Volunteer Week in recognition of the many men, women, and children who donate countless hours, untold material resources, and immeasurable emotional and spiritual support to help those less economically, socially, or spiritually blessed than the more fortunate among us; and requests the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Children, Youth, and Families to compile an official list of those looking to volunteer their services to the City of Baltimore.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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