Assembly Resolution No. 864

BY: M. of A. Brown K

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 17, 2024, as Random Acts of Kindness Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to promote and encourage positivity
which benefit the lives of the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2024, as
Random Acts of Kindness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Random Acts of Kindness Day; and

WHEREAS, Random Acts of Kindness Day, observed on February 17th each
year, originated in New Zealand in 2004; the Random Acts of Kindness
Foundation (RAK), created in 1995 in the United States, is an
internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the
powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and
tools that encourage acts of kindness; and

WHEREAS, Everybody has the potential to change the world; Random
Acts of Kindness Day celebrates and inspires compassion and benevolence,
and the pay it forward mentality; and

WHEREAS, This popular day is observed by individuals, groups and
organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness, some of which
may include: pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru; allow
someone to go ahead of you in line; purchase extra items at the grocery
store to donate to a local food pantry; give flowers to someone to let
them know they are appreciated; leave uplifting messages around for
people to find; compliment a work colleague; let a car into traffic
ahead of you; or pay the bus fare for the passenger behind you; and

WHEREAS, Random Acts of Kindness Day should be celebrated not only
on February 17th, but the other 364 days of the year as an inspiration
to all people because, as purported by Aesop, "No act of kindness, no
matter how small, is ever wasted"; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who choose to practice this unselfish
expression of generosity live and breathe kindness, share knowledge and
lead by example; they tend to leave a trail of positive and progressive
feelings in their wake; and

WHEREAS, Kindness and respect for others is contagious; this
rippling effect no matter how slight, can truly leave a lasting impact
on not only the receiver but the giver as well; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative to promote days in which love, acceptance,
non-violence and tolerance are observed, and to encourage all New
Yorkers to practice this simple philosophy and incorporate it into their
lifestyle; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2024, as
Random Acts of Kindness 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.