Declaring May 8, 2004 as "YOUTHRULES!" DAY."

WHEREAS, YOUTHRULES!, a nationwide initiative launched in May, 2002, by U.S. Labor Secretary, Elaine L. Chao, is designed to raise awareness of the laws that affect members of the workforce under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, Last year, more than 1,000 teenagers and parents attended the initial rally at the Gallery at Market East. Due to the success of last year’s gathering (the first of its kind in the nation), the program is being replicated in other areas of the country; and

WHEREAS, It is the intention of the U.S. Labor Department to insure that minors have a constructive, secure and healthy work experience by educating them, their parents, educators and prospective employers about workplace protections; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Labor estimates that 80 percent of young people work at some point during their school years and early work experiences can be rewarding for young people providing huge opportunities for minors to learn important job skills; and

WHEREAS, Federal and state regulations regarding teenage workers attempt to strike a balance between ensuring sufficient time for educational opportunities and permitting appropriate work experiences; and

WHEREAS, Through the YOUTHRULES! initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor and its partners seek to promote positive and safe work experiences that help prepare young workers to enter the workforce of the 21st Century; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Labor, working along with numerous community partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, Philadelphia Cares, the Philadelphia Youth Network and WUSL-FM “Power 99”, will be distributing information at center court of the Gallery at Market East; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

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That we declare Saturday, May 8, 2004 as “YOUTHRULES! DAY” in the City of Philadelphia and ask all Philadelphians to support safe, positive work environments for our young people.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Corlis L. Sellers, National Child Labor Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Labor, as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.

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