LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dorothy Stoneman upon the occasion of
being honored in conjunction with Women's History Month 2014 in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those women of achievement within the Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others
through their model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dorothy Stoneman upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction with
Women's History Month 2014 in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made
invaluable contributions to the growth and strength of New York State in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the State of New York officially sets aside time
to recognize the achievements and lives of such exemplary women, repre-
sentatives of the wide-ranging and vital roles women have played in the
historic development of this great Empire State and its communities; the
theme of this year's commemoration is "Celebrating Women of Character,
Courage, and Commitment"; and
WHEREAS, Education and community development advocate Dorothy Stoneman
has been dedicated to the cause of social justice for 50 years; through-
out her long and illustrious career, she has consistently epitomized the
values of character, courage, and commitment in her unwavering service
to her peers, colleagues, and fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Stoneman is Founder and CEO of YouthBuild USA Inc.,
the national support center for more than 273 YouthBuild programs in the
United States, and the sponsor of YouthBuild International, which has
generated 102 YouthBuild programs in 14 other countries, including Mexi-
co, South Africa, Haiti and Israel; and
WHEREAS, YouthBuild USA is a innovative non-profit organization that
provides education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young adults
between ages 16 and 24; the youth work on attaining high school diplomas
or equivalency diplomas while learning job skills by building affordable
housing or other tangible assets in their communities; hence, the organ-
ization emphasizes leadership development, community service, neighbor-
hood uplift, and the creation of a positive community of adults and
youth committed to each other's success; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Stoneman's abiding commitment to building a better
society began at an early age; she joined the civil rights movement in
1964, and worked on initiatives to improve the quality of life in East
Harlem for decades; it was there that she established the first Youth-
Build program in 1978, working with local teenagers; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Stoneman has received numerous honors for her
outstanding efforts; she is a recipient of the Harvard Call to Service
Award, the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the John Gardner
Leadership Award, and a MacArthur "genius" Fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service to her community,
the State of New York, and the nation, Dorothy Stoneman has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dorothy Stoneman and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dorothy Stoneman upon the occasion of being honored in conjunc-
tion with Women's History Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dorothy Stoneman.