Recognizing October 26th, 2024 as National Make A Difference Day in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, National Make A Difference Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of October, where individuals volunteer, fundraise, share support, and learn about pressing issues in their communities and the world; and

WHEREAS, National Make A Difference Day recognizes that even minor efforts by an individual are meaningful contributions to the greater good, and collectively, we can change the world; and

WHEREAS, Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to society, intersecting important issues such as the environment, public health, safety and disaster response, livelihoods, and economic stability; and

WHEREAS, There are numerous ways for individuals to make a difference in their communities and the world to address climate change; and

WHEREAS, Volunteering in one’s community can shape the environment. Block cleanups, community gardens, and tree plantings can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, help minimize the heat index, ameliorate the air quality, and expand the accessibility of the environment for residents; and

WHEREAS, Advocating for a cause you care about, whether as an individual or part of collective action, has the power for concrete change. Participating in the democratic process by voting or speaking with elected officials, as well as businesses, can lead to more sustainable environmental policies, practices, and investments; and

WHEREAS, Educating yourself and others on the causes you care about, such as climate change, can illuminate the specific vulnerabilities and needs of our communities and the steps to enact change. It can also highlight existing resources, initiatives, and services to improve our environment, expanding accessibility for underserved communities and individuals; and

WHEREAS, Even the smallest individual actions, such as recycling, composting, and utilizing public transportation, contribute to the greater good of the environment, especially when these individual actions become a pattern or adopted by policymakers and businesses; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative for individuals across the City of Philadelphia to understand the power they have to make a difference in their communities and address climate change. The City of Philadelphia is committed to uplifting communities and working together to address climate change; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes October 26th , 2024, as National Make A Difference Day in Philadelphia.

End