IV 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 551 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 2, 2017 Ms. Meng (for herself, Ms. Norton , Mr. Evans , Mr. McGovern , and Ms. Judy Chu of California ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day of Non-Violence.

Whereas the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Non-Violence on June 15, 2007, to disseminate the message of non-violence, through means such as education and public awareness; Whereas, the United Nations General Assembly has stated that “non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity are interlinked and mutually reinforcing”; Whereas the annual International Day of Non-Violence celebration date, October 2, was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Mohandas K. Gandhi, more commonly known as “Mahatma”, which means “great soul”; Whereas Mahatma Gandhi was a world-renowned civil rights and spiritual leader, who experienced injustices early in life, and learned to embrace the principles of non-violence as a vehicle for social and political change; Whereas Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by religious teachings in Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity in the development of his philosophy; Whereas Mahatma Gandhi was a major influence for Martin Luther King, Jr., whose emphasis on non-violence is credited with ushering in our Nation’s civil rights; and Whereas people around the world commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence by participating in volunteer projects as a way to give back to their communities: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of the International Day of Non-Violence; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the International Day of Non-Violence with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.