SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YMCA IN THE UNITED STATES AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF THE RHODE ISLAND ALLIANCE OF YMCAS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 9 co-sponsors

The resolution formally honors the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and recognizes the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs for its service to communities and supporters statewide.

04/30/2026 Senate read and passed

Purpose and Intent

SR 3238 is a Senate resolution commemorating the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States (founded in 1851 in Boston) and recognizing the impact of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs.

The resolution aims to acknowledge the YMCA’s long-standing mission to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and to honor the YMCA’s contributions within Rhode Island.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Change

Declares that the Rhode Island Senate congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary in the United States.

Recognizes the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs and its member associations for their ongoing service and meaningful impact across Rhode Island communities.

Expresses appreciation for YMCA staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners whose commitments advance the YMCA’s mission and improve Rhode Island residents’ lives.

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to:

Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA
The Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs

Affected Parties and Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries are:

YMCA organizations nationwide and specifically the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs
YMCA staff, volunteers, boards, and community partners involved in Rhode Island programs
Rhode Island residents who benefit from YMCA services such as childcare, afterschool programs, summer camps, swimming instruction, and financial assistance

The resolution highlights the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs’ role across 5 associations and 12 branches within the state.

Background and Context Provided

The resolution cites YMCA’s historical contributions: youth development, education and recreation, swim instruction, childcare and afterschool support, and crisis response.

It provides Rhode Island-specific metrics for 2025, noting thousands of children and families served, more than 8,400 community members learning to swim, and over $3 million in financial assistance and scholarships statewide.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Introduced in April 2026 by Senator Lammis J. Vargas.

Referred to as “Recommended for Immediate Consideration,” indicating expedited handling within the Senate.

No fiscal or regulatory changes are proposed; the document is ceremonial and commemorative in nature.

The resolution does not impose new requirements or funding, but it formally recognizes and honors the YMCA and its Rhode Island affiliates.

Overall Impact

The bill serves to formally acknowledge and celebrate a major milestone for the YMCA in the United States and to highlight the positive impact of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs.

It strengthens public acknowledgment of the YMCA’s community contributions and reinforces appreciation for those who support YMCA programs in Rhode Island.

Bill