HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4647, by Representatives Hunt, Ahern, Lovick, Jackley, Berkey, Reardon, Ogden, Miloscia, McDermott, Kagi, Dunn, D. Schmidt, Mulliken, Schindler, Cairnes, G. Chandler, Armstrong, Conway, Murray, Keiser, Haigh, Linville, Veloria, Cody, Schual‑Berke, Dickerson, Rockefeller, Pearson, Morell, Skinner, Buck, Woods, Casada, Roach, Esser, Jarrett, Boldt, Benson, Marine and Darneille

     WHEREAS, The indefatigable volunteer spirit of many thousands of women, men, and children in many hundreds of rural, suburban, and urban communities all across the globe are being saluted in this, the International Year of Volunteers 2001; and

     WHEREAS, Right here at home, Governor Gary Locke has proclaimed 2001 the Year of the Volunteer in the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Our own State of Washington takes much of its strength, beauty, and unique character from countless citizens who volunteer their time, energy, talent, and spirit to bolster the work of numerous private, public, and nonprofit organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Food bank services as well as clothing, furniture, prescription, eye care, and education assistance are just a few of the many heartfelt programs and services in which Washingtonians selflessly engage themselves to help their less-fortunate sisters and brothers; and

     WHEREAS, Volunteers are a vital component in helping improve the lives of Washington citizens from Neah Bay to Pend Oreille, from Sumas to Camas, from Tonasket to Onalaska, from Gold Bar to Goldendale, and from Adna to Zena; and

     WHEREAS, Beyond any doubt, the success of our private, public, and home-school students and their families is greatly advanced by the sincere donation of time and attention from volunteers who represent and reflect every economic background; and

     WHEREAS, These women, men, and children who give of themselves so freely ask for no recognition and for no paycheck, and not even for any real thank you in return for their genuine dedication and commitment; and

     WHEREAS, It is estimated that volunteer members of the American work force contribute the equivalent of nine million full-time employees at an annual value to the United States economy of 225 billion dollars; and

     WHEREAS, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan last November perhaps stated it best in his address officially setting the year 2001 aside to praise and commemorate volunteers when the secretary-general emphasized:  "Volunteers do more than provide services.  They bring hope to those they help, and so help them find strength to overcome their weakness.  Their reward may be new lifelong friendships, a new understanding of other peoples, of other cultures and other countries' problems and perspectives, or simply the knowledge that they have made a difference.  Invariably, volunteers will tell you they have received at least as much as they have given";

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington salute the tireless, wonderful, and inspiring work of volunteers in every corner of Washington; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Washington Library Association, the Washington State Association of Counties, and the Association of Washington Cities so that statewide news of this justified and well-deserved recognition will reach the maximum number of devoted and remarkable volunteers.

     I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

     Resolution 4647 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         April 18, 2001.

________________________________   _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk