ADOPTED - FEBRUARY 24, 2004

Agenda Item No.

Introduced by the Human Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2004 AS

PARENTING AWARENESS MONTH IN INGHAM COUNTY

RESOLUTION #04-063

WHEREAS, Parenting Awareness Month has been recognized in the State of Michigan since 1993, since the most precious and valuable asset of our state is our children; and

WHEREAS, Parenting Awareness Month came about as a determined Michigan parent, Stewart Mandell, felt that there was a need to promote parenting itself, the foundation and long-term commitment for helping children to become happy, healthy, and drug-free; and

WHEREAS, establishing March as Parenting Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate individuals who have embraced the challenge of parenthood, as well as to promote parenting education, parent involvement and parent networks; and

WHEREAS, the future of our society depends largely on the emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth of these most cherished individuals and we look to parents in protecting and guiding their children and inspiring in them the importance of honesty, respect, education, empathy, service and determination; and

WHEREAS, parents who nurture, love and guide their children help them develop into healthy, caring, loving, responsible and contributing citizens; and

WHEREAS, informed and supported parenting can add stability and strength to our children's lives and help reduce social problems such as substance abuse, school failure, teenage pregnancy, violence and crime, and

WHEREAS, providing and promoting parenting education and resources for developing parenting skills will contribute greatly to the improved quality of life for families, our parents and children, and can benefit future generations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby designates the month of March, 2004, as Parenting Awareness Month in Ingham County.

HUMAN SERVICES: Yeas: Hertel, Dedden, Schor, Severino, Nevin

Nays: None Absent: Weatherwax-Grant Approved 2/23/04