House concurrent resolution congratulating the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and extending best wishes for the organization’s future endeavors

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 22 co-sponsors

The bill ceremonial recognizes the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and extends best wishes, formalizing gratitude for its community services like child care and afterschool programs.

Ceremonial Reading

Summary of H.C.R.197 (R-238) — Vermont, 2025-2026

Purpose and Intent

This House concurrent resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) and extends best wishes for the organization’s future endeavors.

It acknowledges the historical significance of the YMCA, both nationally and in Vermont, and highlights the organization’s longstanding commitment to community service, inclusion, and youth development.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Recognition: The General Assembly congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary.

Best Wishes: The resolution extends best wishes for the YMCA’s future endeavors and ongoing contributions to communities.

Direct Communications: Directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to:

YMCA of Greater Burlington
Meeting Waters YMCA

Who or What Would Be Affected

Affected Entities:

YMCA organizations in Vermont, particularly the YMCA of Greater Burlington and the Meeting Waters YMCA, which receive formal recognition and a copy of the resolution.

Broader Impact:

Public recognition of the YMCA’s historic milestones and ongoing role in providing services such as child care, afterschool programs, and community support.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Status: Ceremonial reading completed on February 17, 2026.

Previous Actions:

Adopted on consent calendar and transmitted between houses via Senate messages on February 12–13, 2026.
Adopted in concurrence pursuant to Joint Rule 16b (February 13, 2026).

Sponsor and Co-Sponsors: The resolution has broad support from both House members and Senators, with numerous primary sponsors and co-sponsors listed.

No substantive policy changes or funding provisions are embedded in the resolution; its effect is ceremonial and commemorative.

Context and Background Highlights (as cited in the bill)

The YMCA’s origins trace to 1851 (Boston) and the first Vermont YMCA in Burlington (1866).

The resolution notes the YMCA’s broader mission to foster healthy spirit, mind, and body, inclusivity, and community belonging.

It references notable YMCA milestones (e.g., early night school, ESL programs, invention of basketball, first group swimming lessons, Father’s Day origin, Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for the National War Work Council) and the organization’s role as a major nonprofit provider of child care and afterschool programs.

National scope: 2,600 Ys with significant staffing and volunteer networks; nationwide reach to millions of children and adults annually.

Vermont specifics: YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA serve about 15,000 Vermonters with 600 staff and 80 volunteers.

If you’d like, I can add a short layperson-friendly paragraph suitable for a social media post or a one-page briefing.