6259233 ACR 21-278, District of Columbia Week of Non-Violence Recognition Resolution of 2016  

  • A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

    21-278

    IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    October 11, 2016

     

    To declare October 17 through 25, 2016, as the “Week of Non-Violence” in the District of Columbia.

     

                WHEREAS, incidents of violent crime across the country have received heightened attention and affected communities deeply;

     

                WHEREAS, it is in the nation’s and the District’s best interests to increase knowledge and  training about conflict resolution, mental health, mediation, parenting skills, and non-violence strategies, and to make resources available to change the culture of violence in America;

     

                WHEREAS, non-violence has historically been utilized as an important strategy for social and political change;

     

                WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez demonstrated leadership in nonviolence and called for a peaceful resolution to conflicts and disagreements in order to create more fair and just societies;

     

                WHEREAS, women such as Rosa Parks, Ella Baker, and Dolores Huerta demonstrated leadership in nonviolence and called for democratic and grassroots participation to bring about collective change;

     

                WHEREAS, violence cessation strategies include intervening in and preventing crime by treating its root causes in a sustainable and nonviolent way;

     

                WHEREAS, a holistic approach that includes collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and District residents is essential to violence prevention;

     

                WHEREAS, Black Women for Positive Change, a national civil, inter-faith volunteer  organization, in collaboration with elected officials, faith leaders, community activists, and youth, are calling for a National Week of Non-Violence from October 17 through 25, 2016; and

     

                WHEREAS, Black Women for Positive Change is urging national, state, and local leaders to organize workshops to teach non-violence, anger management, and conflict resolution during the week to help alleviate violence in our communities.

     

                RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “District of Columbia Week of Non-Violence Recognition Resolution of 2016”.

     

                Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares October 17 through 25, 2016, as the “Week of Non-Violence” in the District of Columbia.

     

                Sec. 3.  This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.