Revised Friendship Resolution

 

This is an amended version of the Oberlin City Council’s original declaration of support for the American National Day of Friendship. Most things that were changed or added have been put in italics.

 

RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 8 AS THE AMERICAN NATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP AND HOW THIS COMMUNITY WILL ENDEAVOUR TO HONOR IT

     WHEREAS, friendship is a concept promoted by most, if not all, religious, ethical, and cultural traditions of the world; and

     WHEREAS, friendship transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political and religious affiliations; and

     WHEREAS, the designation of a day in our calendar as the National Day of Friendship aims to transform an ideal humanitarian philosophy into a public ritual that supports communal cohesion and solidarity; and

     WHEREAS, friendship is relevant to all people and disciplines; and

     WHEREAS, friendship embodies honesty, integrity, compassion, respect, caring for human fellowship, and many other individual and social virtues that go beyond self-interest; and

     WHEREAS, friendship can be a powerful foundation for international peacemaking; and

     WHEREAS, the embracing of an American National Day of Friendship could alter the image of the United States abroad positively and benefit foreign affairs; and

     WHEREAS, the City of Oberlin has a long tradition of promoting diversity, equality, fairness and friendship; and

     WHEREAS, we also recognize that not all members of our community have always felt, and even currently feel, included in the communal friendship we endeavour to create; and

     WHEREAS, we fully understand that friendship requires effort, intention, and consideration of all people’s needs; and

     WHEREAS, we aspire to create a large-scale friendship sentiment throughout Oberlin that is accessible to everyone.

 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Oberlin, County of Lorain, State of Ohio:

     SECTION 1. That the Council of the City of Oberlin acknowledges that Oberlin College has celebrated with a Friendship Day Festival since 2010, while the town has celebrated since 2011, with much success and positive outcomes.

     SECTION 2. That the Council of the City of Oberlin hereby expresses support for the designation of April 8 as The American National Day of Friendship.

     SECTION 3. That there will be a yearly, Oberlin-wide festival on April 8 celebrating friendship.

     SECTION 4. That significant efforts will be made in the day(s)/week(s) leading up to the festival to provide opportunities for people who feel a lack of friendship within the community, or just see an opportunity for increased friendship, to share their perspectives and for solutions to be brainstormed. Then, the festival can be an opportunity to realize these commitments to friendship and celebrate together.

SECTION 5. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

 

 

I affirm that I have adhered to the Honor Code of Oberlin College in this assignment.

Emily Cairncross