2025 House Resolution 38

Whereas, Volunteers are a vital resource and have contributed to the health, education, welfare, recreation, culture, and environment of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, One in twenty children will have lost a parent by the age of sixteen. This creates a significant amount of trauma for that child. Many times, it creates financial burdens on top of grief that were not there before. Families are left with little guidance and support on how to navigate through the grief process and also life as it was known before; and

Whereas, There are community volunteer organizations dedicated to providing guidance, stability, and financial assistance to families with children who have lost one or both parents. This all-too-common tragedy transcends the lines of race, religion, and status and often forces children to prematurely assume the burden of adult responsibility; and

Whereas, In addition to immediate financial resources for living expenses, there are community volunteer organizations that attempt to provide at least some semblance of the parent’s mentoring hand, now reduced to memories and photographs; and

Whereas, The hard work and commitment of volunteers have enriched and vitalized the efforts of the local communities across the state; and

Whereas, We wish to celebrate Michigan Local Community Volunteers, thanking them for their selfless efforts and dedication; and,

Whereas, It is appropriate that a day should be set apart for the appreciation of volunteers in the local community and their impact on Michigan’s citizens; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 11, 2025, as Community Volunteer Day in the state of Michigan.