Senate Resolution No. 3568

BY: Senator COMRIE

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National PTA Founders' Day; and

WHEREAS, For 120 years, National Parent Teacher Association
(National PTA) has strived to better the lives of every child in regards
to education, health and safety; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by
Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA serves as
a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and
communities, and a strong advocate for public education; and

WHEREAS, On February 17, 1897, more than 2,000 people attended the
first convocation of the National Congress of Mothers in Washington,
D.C.; 20 years later, 37 chartered state congresses had been
established; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers
(National PTA) and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers
(NCCPT), founded by Selena Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Georgia, merged to
serve all children; and

WHEREAS, As the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the
nation, National PTA is the conscience of the country for children and
youth issues; through advocacy, as well as family and community
education, this vital organization has established numerous programs
including creation of Kindergarten classes, hot and healthy lunches,
juvenile justice system, mandatory immunization, public health service,
arts in education and school safety; and

WHEREAS, National PTA has also worked to improve and raise awareness
of various child labor laws; and

WHEREAS, Founders' Day is a day set aside each year to celebrate the
legacy and work of Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst and
Selena Sloan Butler; working beyond the accepted barriers of their day,
these courageous and visionary women simply wanted to improve the lives
and future of all children through power of individual action; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 120-year history, National PTA
has always been, and will continue to serve as a powerful voice for all
children, relevant resource for parents, and strong advocates for public
education; and

WHEREAS, Today's PTA is a network of millions of families, students,
teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to
the educational success of children and the promotion of family
engagement in schools; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New
York is enriched by the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations of distinction whose singular purpose is the care and
welfare of our youth, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
PTA Founders' Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.