THE BILL ITSELF
SR 1764
YMCA
Florida Senate - 2026 (NP) SR 1764 By Senator Harrell 31-01860-26 20261764__
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Senate Resolution
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A resolution honoring the YMCA to mark the
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organization’s 175th anniversary in the United States.
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WHEREAS, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) marks
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its 175th anniversary in 2026, having been founded in the United
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States by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in
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Boston, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1851, and
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WHEREAS, inspired by the YMCA movement in England, the
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organization has carried on the mission to put Christian
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principles into practice by building healthy spirit, mind, and
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body for all, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA has continually adapted to meet the
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evolving needs of American communities, strengthening society by
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bringing people together, fostering relationships, and creating
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a sense of belonging, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA’s legacy includes providing safe housing
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during the Industrial Revolution, pioneering the first night
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school and English as a Second Language classes, inventing
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basketball, and providing the first group swim lessons, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA served as the birthplace of Father’s Day,
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with the first celebration held at the YMCA in Spokane,
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Washington, in 1910; established the Youth and Government
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program in 1936, a premier civic engagement initiative that
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continues today; and led humanitarian efforts during wartime,
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including the work of John R. Mott, YMCA leader and President
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Woodrow Wilson’s General Secretary for the National War Work
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Council, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for
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undertaking such efforts, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA has become the nation’s leading nonprofit
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provider of child care and afterschool programs since the 1970s
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and 1980s to support working families, has served as the leading
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provider of emergency child care for frontline workers, and was
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a significant provider of food during the coronavirus pandemic,
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and
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WHEREAS, today, nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000
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neighborhoods across every state and territory, with more than
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300,000 staff and 350,000 volunteers delivering essential
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programs to over 17 million people annually, including almost 11
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million adults and 6.5 million children and youth, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA is a leader in providing swim lessons,
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camping programs, youth sports, meal programs, lifestyle health,
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and fitness and well-being programs, and is the largest provider
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of fitness programs for older adults, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA serves people of all ages, backgrounds,
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and abilities, creating spaces where all people feel welcome,
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are treated with respect, and find opportunities to connect with
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their neighbors, and
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WHEREAS, YMCAs across the nation are working to build
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stronger, more connected communities through intentional
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experiences that help people achieve their goals, foster
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connection, and promote well-being in order to build
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relationships and thrive, and
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WHEREAS, in 2026, YMCAs nationwide will host special events
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that celebrate the moments, programs, and people that have
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shaped their stories, NOW, THEREFORE,
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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
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That the Florida Senate congratulates and expresses
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appreciation to the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate recognizes
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the YMCA’s role in responding to community needs, connecting and
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supporting people, and building relationships and a sense of
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belonging.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate commends the
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hundreds of thousands of staff and volunteers who create
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connected communities and advance the YMCA’s mission to build
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healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate encourages
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continued support for the YMCA’s efforts to address social
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isolation and loneliness by creating places and spaces where
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people can connect, build relationships, and thrive.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with
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the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to the Florida
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State Alliance of YMCAs as a tangible token of the sentiments of
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the Florida Senate.