A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025, "LINKS DAY AT THE CAPITOL" AND TO RECOGNIZE SOUTHERN AREA DIRECTOR VANESSA FALLS AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTERS OF THE LINKS INC.

 

Whereas, The Links Inc. is an international, nonprofit corporation, established in 1946 with a current membership of seventeen thousand professional women of African descent in two hundred ninety-nine chapters across forty-one states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations, dedicated to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry; and

 

Whereas, the organization's core values include friendship, integrity, honesty, service, commitment, family relationships, courage, respect for self and others, legacy, confidentiality, responsibility, and accountability. The members of The Links Inc. are influential decision-makers and opinion leaders who have made a profound impact in their communities and beyond. Collectively, they contribute more than one million documented hours of community service annually, strengthening communities and enhancing the nation; and

 

Whereas, the southern area of The Links Inc. is comprised of eighty-four chapters across seven states and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Members of the southern area represent Mississippi and Alabama, known for their deep southern heritage; Louisiana, rich in French tradition and Creole culture; North and South Carolina, home to breathtaking coastal landscapes; Georgia, embodying southern charm; Florida, with its emerald coasts and sugar-white beaches; and The Bahamas, renowned for its sun-drenched tropical beauty; and

 

Whereas, The South Carolina Chapters of the Links Inc., including Aiken, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Hilton Head, Orangeburg, and Spartanburg, have exemplified leadership, advocacy, and service throughout the State, addressing critical issues such as health disparities, education, economic empowerment, and social justice through impactful programming and community engagement; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina chapters are dedicated to the mission of Friends Transforming Communities Through Service as they Lead with Intentional Friendship and Service. Their programmatic efforts focus on serving the underserved and being a voice for the voiceless, while simultaneously cultivating lasting friendships within the organization. By serving together, members strengthen connections, build closer relationships, and transform the communities they serve; and

 

Whereas, we are honored by the presence of Southern Area Director Vanessa Falls at the 2025 South Carolina Links Day at the Capitol. As the twenty-first southern area director and a dedicated member of the Birmingham, Alabama Chapter, her leadership, vision, and commitment continue to inspire and strengthen the work of The Links Inc. throughout the southern area; and

 

Whereas, Southern Area Director Vanessa Falls has demonstrated unwavering dedication to excellence, service, and advocacy, ensuring that the southern area of The Links Inc. remains at the forefront of positive social change through strategic leadership and impactful programming under the theme Leading with Intentional Friendship & Service; and

 

Whereas, on this occasion of the South Carolina Links Day at the Capitol, under the theme, Raising Our Collective Engagement through Advocacy, Education, and Training, we honor and celebrate Southern Area Director Vanessa Falls for her exceptional leadership and dedication, and we recognize the outstanding contributions of the South Carolina Chapters of The Links Inc. for their tireless efforts in transforming communities through service; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives welcome such a vital organization to the South Carolina State House and are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize their commitment and dedication to truly critical issues in South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare Tuesday, March 4, 2025, "Links Day at the Capitol" and recognize Southern Area Director Vanessa Falls, and the South Carolina Chapters of the Links Inc.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the South Carolina Chapter President of the southern area of The Links Inc.

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