SCR 37 Text

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 37
(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, and Caruth, By Request of the Executive)

Designating the West Virginia Legislature as a "Legislature of Promise".

Whereas, The United States President's Summit for America's Future in 1997 challenged the nation to make children and youth a national priority by providing opportunities for their success through the fulfillment of fundamental promises; and
Whereas, America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth, founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was initiated at the President's Summit in 1997 and earned the support of Presidents Clinton, G. H. W. Bush, Reagan, Carter and Ford; and
Whereas, President George W. Bush reaffirmed his commitment to this important initiative in 2001; and
Whereas, America's Promise is an alliance that brings together communities, individuals and organizations from all sectors to improve opportunities for children and youth; and
Whereas, The mission of America's Promise is to strengthen the character and competence of America's youth and to see that every child in America has the fundamental resources that he or she needs to be prepared for the future; and
Whereas, America's Promise utilizes donations received to improve health care in schools, provide education for technology, recruit mentors for young people and build and maintain community centers; and
Whereas, America's Promise provides five basic promises for youth:
(1) Caring adults who are vitally involved in their lives as parents, mentors, tutors and coaches;
(2) Safe places with structured activities for learning and play;
(3)A healthy start that encourages healthy choices;
(4)An effective education that builds marketable skills; and
(5)

Opportunities to help others; and

Whereas, West Virginia became a "State of Promise" under the leadership of Governor Joe Manchin III and First Lady Gayle C. Manchin; and
Whereas, Monroe and Mercer counties earned the honor of being named part of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" in 2007 and continue to lead a statewide network of organizations and individuals throughout West Virginia intent on delivering the five promises to the youth in their communities; and
Whereas, "Communities of Promise" are dependent upon leaders in the community to implement programs designed to deliver the five promises locally; and
Whereas, Citizens look to their elected officials for support of programs that ensure the success of youth; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby designates the West Virginia Legislature as a "Legislature of Promise"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislature promotes the development of new "Communities of Promise" within members' districts by fostering programs designed to deliver the five promises to the youth of the State of West Virginia.

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