_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
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, 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,
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.