SR1032 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1032 LRB097 23612 GRL 72711 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2012, the United Way celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The United Way was founded in Denver in 1887; and

WHEREAS, Today, United Way is the largest privately funded nonprofit corporation in the nation and the world, with more than 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories; and

WHEREAS, The focus of United Way is identifying and resolving pressing community issues, as well as making measurable changes in the communities through partnerships with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community and others; and

WHEREAS, The issues United Way focuses on are determined locally because of the diversity of the communities served; and

WHEREAS, The United Way's overall framework, however, includes education, income and health; and

WHEREAS, The United Way builds on community strengths and assets, helps individuals and groups with specific community interests, finds ways for them to contribute their time and talents, supports direct-service programs and community-change efforts and advocates public policy changes; and

WHEREAS, Many corporations, businesses, and unions partner with United Way to address community needs; and

WHEREAS, The United Way organizations in the State of Illinois advance the common good and improve communities across the State as places to live and do business through strategic investments, initiatives, partnerships and advocacy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the volunteers and administration of the United Way on the occasion of the organization's 125th anniversary, declare December of 2012 as United Way Month, and encourage all residents of this State to support the United Way; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the United Way.