Bill Summary
The legislation is a resolution expressing support for designating the year 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer." It emphasizes the vital role that volunteers play in enhancing community well-being across various sectors, including public safety, health, education, and civic engagement. The resolution acknowledges that volunteerism fosters unity among diverse populations, contributes significantly to local economies, and inspires future generations to engage in civic responsibility.
It highlights the challenges faced by civic organizations in recruiting and retaining volunteers, especially in light of declining national volunteer rates exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The year 2026 is particularly significant, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, presenting an opportunity for a renewed commitment to service and community involvement.
The resolution calls for recognition and celebration of volunteers, encourages efforts at all governmental levels to promote volunteer opportunities, and invites various organizations and individuals to participate in acts of service. Overall, it aims to inspire a nationwide movement towards volunteerism in honor of the nation's milestone anniversary.
Possible Impacts
The "National Year of the Volunteer" resolution could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Volunteer Participation**: The designation of 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer" is likely to inspire more individuals to engage in volunteer activities. This can lead to a noticeable increase in community service efforts, as more people may feel motivated to give their time and skills to local organizations, thereby enhancing community cohesion and support for various social causes.
2. **Strengthening Local Organizations**: Nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and other volunteer-driven entities may benefit from heightened awareness and participation during the National Year of the Volunteer. This increased volunteer engagement can help these organizations operate more effectively, expand their services, and ultimately better address the needs of the communities they serve, which can include areas like public safety, education, and health services.
3. **Promotion of Civic Responsibility**: By encouraging volunteerism, the resolution aims to instill a sense of civic duty and responsibility among younger generations. This can lead to a cultural shift where community service is viewed as a fundamental component of citizenship, fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity among diverse groups within society. As young people participate in volunteer activities, they may carry these values into adulthood, creating a long-term impact on civic engagement and community well-being.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1044 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1044
Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the
``National Year of the Volunteer''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 9, 2026
Mr. Lawler (for himself, Mr. Moskowitz, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr.
Aderholt, Ms. Salazar, and Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education
and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the
``National Year of the Volunteer''.
Whereas volunteers play a critical role in our communities in public safety,
health, education, and civic life;
Whereas volunteerism unites people of all backgrounds in common purpose,
bridging divides and strengthening the bonds of citizenship;
Whereas volunteerism bolsters organizations that keep neighborhoods safe,
healthy, and connected;
Whereas volunteers contribute billions of dollars' worth of service annually,
driving local economies and offsetting government costs;
Whereas volunteerism inspires younger generations to see service as a
cornerstone of United States life and civic responsibility;
Whereas, despite rising demand, critical civic organizations, such as volunteer
fire and EMS departments, scout troops, youth sports, houses of worship,
food banks, shelters, mentoring programs, and nonprofit organizations,
report struggling to recruit and retain volunteers;
Whereas national volunteer rates have dropped significantly over the past
decade, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United
States of America, a milestone that offers all United States citizens
the opportunity to renew the spirit of service, unity, and shared
purpose that has defined the Nation since its founding;
Whereas Congress passed and the President signed into law the United States
Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-196), which
created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission (the Commission)
to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the
history of the United States leading up to the 250th anniversary of the
founding of the United States;
Whereas the many programs planned by the Commission include America Gives, an
initiative that challenged individuals, businesses, nonprofits, schools,
youth groups, faith-based networks, and organizations of all kinds to
commit to increasing their level of volunteering and impact starting
this past year;
Whereas the Commission tracked the number of volunteer hours given by every
United States citizen who participated in America Gives; and
Whereas designating 2026 as the ``National Year of the Volunteer'' would
celebrate the enduring United States tradition of neighbors helping
neighbors and encourage a nationwide recommitment to community service:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses support for the designation of the ``National
Year of the Volunteer'';
(2) honors the millions of volunteers whose selfless
service strengthens communities across the United States;
(3) encourages Federal, State, and local efforts to
highlight volunteer opportunities and drive public awareness of
the value of service;
(4) encourages nonprofit organizations, schools, veterans'
groups, civic associations, and companies to partner and engage
in volunteer opportunities across the United States; and
(5) calls on all Americans to celebrate the 250th
anniversary of the United States, as the ``National Year of the
Volunteer,'' by participating in acts of service and community
improvement.
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