[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 31 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 31

  Designating the week of September 11 through September 17, 2003, as 
                 ``National Civic Participation Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 29, 2003

 Mr. Roberts submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Designating the week of September 11 through September 17, 2003, as 
                 ``National Civic Participation Week''.

Whereas the United States embarks on this new millennium as the world's model of 
        democratic ideals, economic enterprise, and technological innovation and 
        discovery;
Whereas our Nation's preeminence is a tribute to our great 2-century-old 
        experiment in representative government that nurtures those ideals, 
        fosters economic vitality, and encourages innovation and discovery;
Whereas representative government is dependent on the exercise of the privileges 
        and responsibilities of its citizens, and that has been in decline in 
        recent years in both civic and political participation;
Whereas Alexis de Tocqueville, the 19th century French chronicler of our 
        Nation's political behavior, observed that the people of the United 
        States had successfully resisted democratic apathy and mild despotism by 
        using what he called ``schools of freedom''--local institutions and 
        associations where citizens learn to listen and trust each other;
Whereas civic and political participation remains the school in which citizens 
        engage in the free, diverse, and positive political dialogue that guides 
        our Nation toward common interests, consensus, and good governance;
Whereas it is in the public interest for our Nation's leaders to foster civic 
        discourse, education, and participation in Federal, State, and local 
        affairs;
Whereas the advent of revolutionary Internet technology offers new mechanisms 
        for empowering our citizens and fostering greater civic engagement than 
        at any time in our peacetime history; and
Whereas the use of new technologies can bring people together in civic forums, 
        educate citizens on their roles and responsibilities, and promote 
        citizen participation in the political process through volunteerism, 
        voting, and the elevation of voices in public discourse: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved,

SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CIVIC PARTICIPATION WEEK.

    The Senate--
            (1) designates the week of September 11 through September 
        17, 2003, as ``National Civic Participation Week'';
            (2) proclaims National Civic Participation Week as a week 
        of inauguration of programs and activities that will lead to 
        greater participation in elections and the political process; 
        and
            (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling upon interested organizations and the people of the 
        United States to promote programs and activities that take full 
        advantage of the technological resources available in fostering 
        civic participation through the dissemination of information.
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