III 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 261 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 10, 2009 Mr. Pryor (for himself and Mrs. Lincoln) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating September 12, 2009, as National Day of Encouragement.

Whereas negative images, stories, and influences in the day-to-day lives of Americans can detrimentally affect their emotional well-being, interactions with others, and general demeanor; Whereas a group of teenagers participating in a leadership forum at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, identified a lack of encouragement as one of the greatest problems facing young people today; Whereas the youth of our Nation need guidance, inspiration, and reassurance to counteract this negativity and to develop the qualities of character essential for future leadership in our country; Whereas a National Day of Encouragement would serve as a reminder to counterbalance and overcome negative influences, and would also provide much-needed encouragement and support to others; Whereas following the events of September 11, 2001, thousands of people of the United States made sacrifices in order to bring help and healing to the victims and their families, inspiring and encouraging the Nation; and Whereas the renewed feelings of unity, hope, selflessness, and encouragement that began on September 12, 2001, are the same feelings that the National Day of Encouragement is meant to recapture and spread: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates September 12, 2009, as National Day of Encouragement; (2)acknowledges the importance of encouragement and positive influences in the lives of all people; and (3)urges the people of the United States to encourage others, whether it be through an act of service, a thoughtful letter, or words of kindness and inspiration, and to thereby boost the morale of all.