Declare Volunteer Week in NY

Senate Resolution No. 1408 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 19-25, 2026, as Volunteer Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of New York who volunteer their time and energies in service to their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 19-25, 2026, as Volunteer Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Volunteer Week; and WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week was first designated by an Executive Order from President Richard Nixon in 1974; the week serves to recognize and encourage people to engage in their community through volunteer service; and WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week works to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take actions that can change the world; and WHEREAS, Volunteers can connect with local community service opportunities through hundreds of community service organizations; and WHEREAS, Individuals and communities are at the center of social change, discovering their power to make a difference; and WHEREAS, During National Volunteer Week service projects will be performed across our great nation and volunteers will be recognized for their commitment to service; and WHEREAS, The giving of oneself in service to another empowers the giver and the recipient; experience teaches that government by itself cannot solve all of the nation's problems; and WHEREAS, Our country's volunteer force of over 75.7 million is a great treasure; those who volunteer play a vital role in our community and our future as a caring and productive nation; and WHEREAS, The State of New York should help encourage volunteerism and the spirit of giving during National Volunteer Week, so that a greater call to action can encourage residents to spread the philanthropic spirit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 19-25, 2026, as Volunteer Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.