Year of the Volunteer

Resolution on Year of the Volunteer adopted by the 127th Supreme Convention on Aug. 6, 2009.

WHEREAS, the practice of charity is the first and most important principle of the Knights of Columbus, as evidenced by the 68,783,653 hours of time donated by our members to charity last year; and

WHEREAS, at its most fundamental level, charity entails reaching out to those who are in need and personally giving one’s time to help them; and

WHEREAS, the needs of many of our neighbors are much more serious and immediate at a time of serious economic recession; and

WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus has designated 2009 as the Year of the Volunteer, redoubling its efforts to help the less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, we joined with the Center for Faith and Public Life at Fairfield University in calling a summit, titled “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”, involving scores of organizations to develop a coordinated national and international effort that combines the resources of all volunteer agencies to respond to these needs; and

WHEREAS, we have joined as a Founding Partner with Connecticut Public Television in its “Power of Giving” initiative to encourage volunteer service and to encourage similar initiatives in other jurisdictions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we encourage every person of good will in every nation to generously donate a significant portion of their time to volunteer programs and projects that benefit the needy, and express our willingness to join with government and volunteer organizations at every level in extending our hand of friendship and assistance to all who are in need.