Resolution 090336

..Title Proclaiming April 24th - 26th 2009 as "Global Youth Service Day". ..Body The City Council of Philadelphia designates April 24th - 26th 2009 as "Global Youth Service Day" in Philadelphia and encourages that all local organizations encourage, facilitate and ultimately volunteer to do their part in community improvement projects. WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day is a program of Youth Service America and is the largest service event in the world and in 2009 is being observed for the 21st consecutive year in the United States and for the 10th year globally in more than 100 countries; and WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people in countries everywhere highlight and carry out thousands of community improvement projects; and WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day offers a way for local, national, and international organizations to BUILD the capacity of an international network of organizations that promotes youth participation, service, and learning; and WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day offers a way to EDUCATE the public, the media, and policy-makers about the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders around the world; and WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day offers a way to MOBILIZE youth and adults to meet the needs of their communities through volunteering; and WHEREAS, Global Youth Service Day offers a way to LEARN and share effective practices in youth service, youth voice, and civic engagement in the world today; and WHEREAS, Through community service, young people build character and learn valuable skills, including time management, teamwork, needs-assessment, and leadership, that are sought by employers; and WHEREAS, Service-learning combines meaningful service to the community with academic curriculum to benefit both participants and the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, Young people should be viewed not only as the hope of the future, but as leaders and problem-solvers for today, and should be valued for the unique idealism, energy, creativity, and commitment they bring to the challenges found in their communities; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That April 24th - 26th 2009 be declared as "Global Youth Service Day" in Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Education Works, as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. ..End