This month, the Illinois Senate passed bipartisan plan designating 2015 as the Year of Service and Engagement.   Sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), the resolution declares to strengthen infrastructure of volunteerism in the State.

“Volunteerism is a part of Illinois’ history and culture,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “We’re a state built on the foundations of service and organized movements that have influenced the rest of the country.”

In Illinois, Senate bipartisan leadership seeks to foster volunteerism within the state by hosting a Senate forum on volunteerism. The forum will serve as a platform to rebuild the human element of the state’s infrastructure.   In 2012, Illinois ranked first among the nation’s 10 largest states in terms of volunteering. The state ranked 25th among all states with nearly 360 million hours of services valued over $8 billion.

“Volunteer opportunities have the potential to lead to jobs,” said Hunter. “They provide similar skill sets as paid positions but show a commitment to the community and self-improvement.”

Senate Resolution 1002 was adopted as amended.