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2003 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 640
Encouraging the citizens of the Commonwealth to volunteer through participation in meaningful community activities and through local and community service organizations.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2003
Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2003

WHEREAS, the concept of volunteerism is well-grounded in this country and has been exemplified since the early days through community barn raisings, quilting bees, and bake sales and more recently carried forward by the formal establishment of hundreds of eleemosynary organizations; and

WHEREAS, research has proven the positive individual rewards of helping others and finding meaning through community service activities, such as, mental well-being, self-satisfaction, socialization, altruism, and relaxation; especially for the elderly where it is verified that staying active contributes to a healthier and longer life and that social supports are critical to the healthy aging process; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated the concept best when he said "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve," and then practiced what he preached through the forging of common ground on which all people of this land could join together to address important community issues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia concurring, That all citizens of the Commonwealth be encouraged to volunteer through participation in meaningful community activities and through local and community service organizations; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor, requesting that he call upon the citizens of the Commonwealth to volunteer in community service activities and to join local and community service organizations, particularly during the month of January, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who exemplified the spirit of service.