Proclaim PTA Founders' Day

Senate Resolution No. 3568 BY: Senator COMRIE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National PTA Founders' Day; and WHEREAS, For 120 years, National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA) has strived to better the lives of every child in regards to education, health and safety; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA serves as a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education; and WHEREAS, On February 17, 1897, more than 2,000 people attended the first convocation of the National Congress of Mothers in Washington, D.C.; 20 years later, 37 chartered state congresses had been established; and WHEREAS, In 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA) and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT), founded by Selena Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Georgia, merged to serve all children; and WHEREAS, As the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation, National PTA is the conscience of the country for children and youth issues; through advocacy, as well as family and community education, this vital organization has established numerous programs including creation of Kindergarten classes, hot and healthy lunches, juvenile justice system, mandatory immunization, public health service, arts in education and school safety; and WHEREAS, National PTA has also worked to improve and raise awareness of various child labor laws; and WHEREAS, Founders' Day is a day set aside each year to celebrate the legacy and work of Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Selena Sloan Butler; working beyond the accepted barriers of their day, these courageous and visionary women simply wanted to improve the lives and future of all children through power of individual action; and WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 120-year history, National PTA has always been, and will continue to serve as a powerful voice for all children, relevant resource for parents, and strong advocates for public education; and WHEREAS, Today's PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York is enriched by the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations of distinction whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of our youth, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.