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SCR 20

Concurrent resolution; congratulating the YMCA on 175 years of service.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dell Kerbs and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma honors the YMCA’s 175-year legacy, recognizing its role in community well-being, education, and services while urging continued efforts to reduce social isolation.

Adopted, returned to Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 20

Summary: SCR 20 (Oklahoma) – Concurrent Resolution Congratulating the YMCA on 175 Years of Service

Overview

  • Type: Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR)
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Oklahoma, 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
  • Introduced By: Senator Pugh; House Coauthor/Representative Kerbs
  • Status: As introduced and subsequently considered in April 2026; aligns with concurrent resolution tradition to recognize organizations

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly recognize and celebrate the YMCA's 175th anniversary in the United States.
  • To acknowledge the YMCA’s historical and ongoing role in strengthening communities, fostering belonging, and promoting health and well-being.
  • To commend YMCA staff and volunteers for their contributions.
  • To encourage continued efforts to address social isolation and loneliness by creating spaces that promote well-being and relationship-building.

Key Provisions and Provisions' Language

Since this is a concurrent resolution, its primary provisions are ceremonial and aspirational rather than regulatory. The main elements include:
- Recognition of 175th Anniversary: Celebrates the YMCA’s founding and 175-year legacy, noting the YMCA’s founding in Boston on December 29, 1851, and its mission to apply Christian principles to improve spirit, mind, and body.
- Statement of Impact: Acknowledges the YMCA’s adaptation over time to meet community needs, its role in building relationships, and its contribution to belonging within communities.
- Historical Contributions Highlighted: References to the YMCA’s historical innovations, including safe housing during the Industrial Revolution, the first night school and ESL classes, invention of basketball, early group swim lessons, Youth and Government programs, birthplace of Father’s Day, and leadership in child care and after-school programming.
- Current Scope in Oklahoma: Notes that Oklahoma YMCAs involve more than 3,600 staff and nearly 7,000 volunteers across 37 communities, serving hundreds of thousands annually, and that the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs coordinates efforts across nine independent Ys in the state.
- Programmatic Focus Areas: Affirms the YMCA’s leadership in aquatics, child care, youth sports, meal programs, health and wellness initiatives, and services for older adults.
- Call to Action: Encourages continued support for YMCA efforts, particularly those addressing social isolation and loneliness, and promoting well-being and relationship-building.

Who or What Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: The YMCA network (national and Oklahoma-specific) and, more broadly, the communities they serve, including staff, volunteers, participants, and program beneficiaries.
  • Public Acknowledgment: Oklahoma Legislature serves to publicly laud the YMCA’s work and reinforce its ongoing role in community well-being.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Origin and Introduction: Introduced in April 2026 as a joint House-Senate concurrent resolution.
  • Process Pathway: As a concurrent resolution, it moves through both chambers and, upon passage, is typically signed or concurred for ceremonial recognition.
  • Date References: Cites the YMCA’s national history (founded 1851; December 29) and Oklahoma-specific milestones (YMCA in Oklahoma City since 1889; Land Run era context).
  • Administrative Details: The bill text includes standard “Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved” language, concluding with expressions of congrats and encouragements.

Notable Details

  • Expresses gratitude to staff and volunteers for building connected communities.
  • Encourages continued action to combat social isolation and loneliness by supporting spaces that promote well-being and relationship-building.
  • Highlights Oklahoma’s YMCA presence: 37 communities, 3,600+ staff, ~7,000 volunteers, serving a broad population.

This resolution is ceremonial and honors a long-standing civil-society institution, recognizing its historical and ongoing contributions to education, health, recreation, and community cohesion.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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