Bill Text: VA HJR312 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Commending the Podium Foundation.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-03-01 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ312ER) [HJR312 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2018-HJR312-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 312
Commending the Podium Foundation.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2018
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 2018

WHEREAS, the Podium Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has helped numerous Richmond students hone their writing skills and find outlets for literary expression, celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2018; and

WHEREAS, started in 2008 by Lindy Bumgarner and David Robbins, the Podium Foundation was originally launched to address a lack of extracurricular writing and creative programs for students in the Richmond Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, the Podium Foundation began with just a few dozen students in four high schools; today, it serves 300 young people a year at middle schools, high schools, and community centers across the metro Richmond area; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to helping young people find their creative voices, the Podium Foundation operates after-school workshops for children ages 10 to 14; these include Project Write Now!, which provides creative writing assignments and communication skills development, and the Weekly Word, which explores methods of journalism and broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, for high school-age learners, the Podium Foundation runs the Creative Expression Collective, an extracurricular writing program that features weekly communication and writing workshops focused on poetry, prose, and college preparation; and

WHEREAS, in each of its writing workshops, the Podium Foundation provides opportunities for participants to showcase their work, including performances, readings, and a literary journal; and

WHEREAS, in addition, the Podium Foundation runs the Writer's Leadership Conference, a multi-day program in which teen writers can engage in professional development and networking with professionals across multiple fields; and

WHEREAS, the Podium Foundation also operates a Writing Mentorship Project that allows high school upperclassmen and recent graduates to develop their professional skills by working alongside staff to create and facilitate writing workshops for summer middle school programs; and

WHEREAS, for its role in improving student writing skills and providing increased access to youth programs, the Podium Foundation has been honored by the Richmond School Board and the Richmond City Council and achieved national recognition for outstanding nonprofit collaboration; and

WHEREAS, through its many programs and workshops, the Podium Foundation has helped scores of young people to embrace their creativity, grow their communication confidence, and build a strong foundation for future success; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Podium Foundation for its years of service to the Richmond community on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Podium Foundation as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its commitment to providing rewarding writing and literary programs for young people.

feedback