SR671: SR671 YMCA; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate marking the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in 2026. It recounts the organization's founding in Boston in 1851 and its history of innovations, including inventing basketball, starting the first group swim lessons, and creating the Youth and Government civic program. It also notes the YMCA's growth in Georgia since its first location opened in Savannah in 1855. The resolution formally recognizes the YMCA's role in serving communities, commends its staff and volunteers, and congratulates the organization for 175 years of service. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the YMCA. The resolution does not change any Georgia law; it is a symbolic statement of recognition.

• Formally recognizes the YMCA's 175th anniversary and its history of community service in Georgia and nationwide.
• Commends the YMCA's staff and volunteers for their work building healthy communities.
• Encourages continued support for YMCA efforts addressing social isolation and loneliness.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the YMCA.

The resolution primarily concerns the YMCA as an organization, its staff, volunteers, and the communities it serves in Georgia, including the 16 YMCA locations statewide with over 8,300 staff and 8,600 volunteers.

While the resolution carries no legal or funding effect, it gives official state recognition to the YMCA's long history and ongoing community programs in Georgia, such as swim lessons, childcare, and fitness programs for older adults.

• The whereas clauses recount the YMCA's founding in Boston in 1851 and its history of social innovations, including basketball and Father's Day.
• The resolution notes the first Georgia YMCA opened in Savannah in 1855 and that 16 YMCAs now operate statewide.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize, commend, and congratulate the YMCA for its role in communities.
• The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy to the YMCA for distribution.

1. 2026-02-03Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)Primary sponsor
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Jason T. Dickerson (R, SD-021)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)

• YMCA
• community organizations
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• nonprofit recognition