Introduced Version





HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No.
________




DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION



        A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana's service clubs.



Dodge




    _______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on








Introduced

First Regular Session of the 116th General Assembly (2009)


HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION



        A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana's service clubs.

    Whereas, A service club is defined as a "voluntary nonprofit organization where members meet regularly to perform charitable works either by direct hands-on efforts or by raising money for other organizations";

    Whereas, The idea of the service club originated in the United States but has spread throughout the world;

    Whereas, Lions Club International is the world's largest service club with 1.3 million members in 45,000 clubs in 202 countries and geographic areas;

    Whereas, Lions Club International has been recognized for its service to people who are visually impaired or blind, beginning its vision program following a challenge by Helen Keller to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness";

    Whereas, Lions Club International is also committed to the youth of the world, improving the environment, building homes for disabled people, supporting diabetes education, conducting hearing programs, and providing disaster relief around the world;

    Whereas, Kiwanis is an international organization of volunteers dedicated to "changing the world, one child and one community at a time";



    Whereas, Kiwanis members dedicate themselves to changing the world through service to children and communities, such as helping shelter homeless people, feeding hungry people, mentoring disadvantaged people, and caring for sick people;

    Whereas, Kiwanis, whose name means "we trade" or "we share our talents", has about 8,000 clubs in 96 countries with more than 260,000 adult members and about 320,000 youth;

    Whereas, Optimist International conducts positive service projects aimed at providing help to young people;

    Whereas, Optimists believe that by mentoring young people and empowering them to be the best they can, they are continually making this world a better place to live;

    Whereas, The mission statement of Optimist International is "by providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids";

    Whereas, The National Exchange Club is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, community service, youth activities, and its national project, the prevention of child abuse;

    Whereas, The National Exchange Club helps members develop leadership, networking, and organizational skills that contribute to success in business, family, and personal endeavors and provides its members with the opportunity to share their time and talents to help others;

    Whereas, Founded in Detroit in 1911, the National Exchange Club is made up of nearly 800 clubs and has more than 25,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico;

    Whereas, The Rotary Club represents a cross section of the community's business owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals;

    Whereas, These are influential people who make decisions

and influence policy and have many opportunities for humanitarian service;

    Whereas, The Rotary Club works both locally and internationally with service programs that address concerns such as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment; and

    Whereas, Service clubs such as the Lions Club International, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, Optimist International, and the National Exchange Club provide necessary services that help the poor, the young, and the needy of our community build better lives: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives

of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana,

the Senate concurring:


    SECTION 1. That the Indiana General Assembly wishes to acknowledge the many contributions to our state by the service clubs, Lions Club International, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, Optimist International, and the National Exchange Club. These organizations work tirelessly for the less fortunate citizens of Indiana
    SECTION 2. That the Principal Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to each of these service clubs.