III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 264 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 13, 2011 Mr. Pryor (for himself and Mr. Boozman) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating September 12, 2011, as National Day of Encouragement.

Whereas negative images, stories, and influences in the day-to-day lives of the people of the United States 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 the United States need guidance, inspiration, and reassurance to counteract this negativity and to develop the qualities of character essential for future leadership in the United States; 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 made sacrifices in order to bring help and healing to the victims and their families, inspiring and encouraging the people of the United States; 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, 2011, 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 through an act of service, a thoughtful letter, or words of kindness and inspiration, and by that encouragement to boost the morale of all people of the United States.