Reps. Terry Brown, Ball, Barnett, Booher, Lisa Brown, Byrnes, Byrum, Caul, Constan, Dean, DeShazor, Durhal, Gonzales, Green, Gregory, Griffin, Haase, Haines, Hansen, Haugh, Huckleberry, Robert Jones, Kandrevas, Kurtz, Lahti, LeBlanc, Lemmons, Lori, Lund, Marleau, Mayes, McDowell, Miller, Neumann, Opsommer, Pavlov, Pearce, Polidori, Proos, Rogers, Roy Schmidt, Sheltrown, Slavens, Spade, Switalski, Tyler and Valentine offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 209.    

            A resolution commemorating March 2010 as Parenting Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Parenting Awareness Michigan Initiative has been in existence since 1993, when it began as an awareness month to promote parenting; and

            Whereas, Parenting Awareness Month sets the foundation for guiding children and youth to be healthy and drug-free year-round; and

            Whereas, Parenting Awareness works to raise the awareness of individuals and community groups to be involved in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and

Whereas, Informed and effective parenting is of critical importance across the lifespan of a child and adds stability and strength to the lives of children and also helps to reduce social problems such as substance abuse, academic failure, teenage pregnancy, violence, and crime; and

Whereas, Showing children love, concern, and respect; providing children a safe place to live and play; spending time with children and teaching them to be responsible are key factors in  the philosophy supported by Parenting Awareness Michigan; and

Whereas, Providing and promoting education and resources for the development of effective parenting while working hand in hand with our schools and community to improve the quality of life for children and families; and

Whereas, A national month dedicated to educating all Americans on the importance of effective parenting and to celebrate those people who are raising children and utilize the Parenting Awareness Michigan Initiative to improve the quality of life for the people of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate March 2010 as Parenting Awareness Month, and honor the contributions it is making to educate Americans on the commitment and dedication to individuals, families, and communities everywhere that the Parenting Awareness Michigan Initiative provides; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of this legislative body honor and join other organizations throughout the state and country, as they use this occasion to honor the contributions of the Parenting Awareness Initiative; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Parenting Awareness Michigan Chapter, the Huron County Parenting Awareness Coalition, and other local community organizations throughout the state of Michigan.