Reps. Panetta and Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Celebrate Community Week and Commemorate Service Organizations
SALINAS, CA – Today, Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Co-chairs of the Congressional Service Organization Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate the week of September 11th through September 17th “Celebrate Community” week and commemorate the efforts of local service organizations across the country. The resolution recognizes the role of service organizations in promoting community humanitarian assistance, while also instilling the value of giving back in our youth. The undersigned members specifically applauded Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International for encouraging and promoting community service and humanitarian assistance through their local chapters.
“Local service organizations all across our country do so much good in our communities and beyond,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why it was important to author and introduce this bipartisan resolution so that Congress could honor and recognize the commitment and service of those organizations to our home towns and their humanitarian efforts across the globe. By giving back so much and upholding and fulfilling the values of living in our democracy, the members of our service organizations make our communities better and our country stronger.”
“The Celebrate Community Week resolution highlights the critical work of our community service organizations,” said Rep. Thompson. “Volunteer service is the cornerstone of a successful, strong, and healthy community, and is an important staple of American life. I commend our community service organizations like Lions Clubs International, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, and Optimist International for everything they do to help our communities flourish.”
“Service organizations help make communities stronger,” said Stan Soderstrom, Executive Director of Kiwanis International. “The Celebrate Community initiative is one way to join together to work on projects that will have a measurable impact in the US and around the world.”
“To accomplish big things, we all need to roll up our sleeves and work together,” said Lions Clubs International President, Brian Sheehan. “That’s why Lions International is so proud to participate in the Celebrate Community joint week of service. I truly believe that together we can make our communities—and the world—a better place for all people.”
Original cosponsors of the resolution include: Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Jim Costa (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Al Lawson (D-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA).
Organizations supporting:Lions Clubs International, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, and Optimist International.
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