Surrounded by local leaders, first responders, nonprofit officials, and community volunteers, Congressman Mike Lawler on Monday announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution calling for 2026 to be designated the National Year of the Volunteer.
The announcement was made at a local press conference held in partnership with America250, as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The resolution seeks to honor the millions of Americans who strengthen their communities through volunteer service and to inspire a renewed national commitment to civic engagement.
The proposal also highlights America Gives, an America250 initiative aimed at making 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history.
“As our country approaches its 250th anniversary, this resolution honors the people who have always held our communities together and calls on the next generation to step up and serve,” Lawler said. “The Hudson Valley helped win America’s independence 250 years ago through citizen soldiers, volunteer militias, and neighbors answering the call — that same spirit lives on today.”
Leaders from across the nonprofit, emergency services, and faith-based sectors voiced strong support for the effort, emphasizing the vital role volunteers play in public safety, disaster response, hunger relief, and community resilience.
Doreen Howe, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, said the designation would spotlight the indispensable role volunteers play nationwide, from responding to home fires to collecting lifesaving blood. Fire and EMS leaders echoed concerns about declining volunteer membership and rising call volumes, warning that the sustainability of emergency services depends on renewed recruitment and recognition.
Rockland County Fire Coordinator Christopher Kear said recognizing volunteers at the national level sends a powerful message to both current and future responders, while representatives from Feeding Westchester, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Catholic Charities USA, and local fire districts stressed that volunteerism is the backbone of community strength.
Local volunteer emergency organizations, including Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland and volunteer fire companies from across Rockland County, praised the resolution as timely and meaningful, particularly as recruitment and retention challenges continue to grow.
The bipartisan resolution is expected to gain support from lawmakers across the aisle as discussions continue in Washington. Supporters say formally designating 2026 as the National Year of the Volunteer would elevate service as a cornerstone of civic life during America’s historic milestone year.
