Whereas, The YWCA provides a wide range of programs and services including: child abuse prevention, parenting skills, early childhood development, youth in crisis support groups, after school drug and violence prevention groups, support to victims of violence, job skills, positive leisure outlets, and legal advocacy; and,

Whereas, Through 313 local member associations with programs in thousands of communities in all 50 states, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families; and,

Whereas, 1,634,770 violent crimes were recorded in the United States in 1997; this includes, child abuse, domestic violence, and hate crimes; and,

Whereas, The “Week Without Violence”, presented by the YWCA, will focus attention on practical, sustainable non-violent alternatives day-by-day, while also calling upon Americans to live seven days without committing a violent act; and,

Whereas, The YWCA “Week Without Violence” empowers individuals, families, and neighborhoods to transform the prevalence of violence and despair around them into hope and peace for future generations; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 18, 2003, as YWCA Week Without Violence in Michigan and I challenge all Michiganders to spend seven days without committing, condoning or contributing to violence.