Tennessee House Bill HJR0959

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 2/27/24
• Enrolled: 3/5/24
• Passed: 3/13/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor and congratulate Katherine West on her receipt of the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award.

Impact

The passage of HJR0959 aims to inspire others to engage in volunteer activities and contribute positively to their communities. By formally recognizing Katherine West's efforts, the resolution seeks to elevate the value placed on community service and encourage more citizens to participate in similar charitable efforts. This recognition not only honors individual efforts but also promotes a culture of volunteerism in Tennessee.

Summary

HJR0959 is a resolution honoring Katherine West for her outstanding contributions to her community and recognizing her as a recipient of the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. The resolution emphasizes the importance of community service in Tennessee, highlighting that approximately 1.3 million volunteers contribute over 99 million hours of service annually, which has a significant economic impact valued at around $2.6 billion. Katherine West's dedication to volunteerism serves as a prime example of the spirit of giving that characterizes the Volunteer State.

Contention

While the resolution largely received support for its intention to honor a community leader, there may be underlying conversations regarding the effectiveness of volunteer organizations in meeting community needs. Discussions may encompass whether formal recognition initiatives sufficiently address the larger systemic issues that necessitate such volunteer efforts, such as poverty or lack of access to resources. Critics may argue that while honoring individuals is important, it is equally critical to ensure ongoing support for the programs that underpin volunteer initiatives.