Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 12 through September 16, 2016, as National Family Service Learning Week. 

Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 12 through September 16, 2016, as National Family Service Learning Week Whereas family service learning is a method under which children and families learn and solve problems together in a multi-generational approach with active participation in thoughtfully organized service that (1) is conducted in and meets the needs of their communities; (2) is focused on children and families solving community issues together; (3) applies college and career readiness skills for children and relevant workforce training skills for adults; and (4) is coordinated between the community and an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or family community service program; Whereas family service learning (1) is multi-generational learning that involves parents, children, caregivers, and extended family members in shared learning experiences in physical and digital environments; (2) is integrated into and enhances the academic achievement of the children or the educational components of a family service program in which the families may be enrolled; and (3) encompasses skills, such as investigation, planning and preparation, action, reflection, demonstration of results, and sustainability; Whereas family service learning has been shown to have positive 2-generational effects and encourages families to invest in their communities to improve economic and societal well-being; Whereas, through family service learning, children and families are offered the opportunity to solve community issues and learn together, thereby enabling the development of life and career skills, such as flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, and leadership and responsibility; Whereas family service learning activities provide opportunities for families to improve essential skills, such as organization, research, planning, reading and writing, technology, teamwork, and sharing; Whereas families participating together in service are afforded quality time learning about their communities; Whereas adults engaged in family service learning serve as positive role models for their children; Whereas family service learning projects enable families to build substantive connections with their communities, develop a stronger sense of self-worth, experience a reduction in social isolation, and improve parenting skills; Whereas family service learning has added benefits for English language learners by helping individuals and families to (1) feel more connected with their communities; and (2) practice language skills; Whereas family service learning is particularly important for at-risk families because it (1) provides opportunities for leadership and civic engagement; and (2) helps build the capacity to advocate for the needs of children and families; and Whereas the value that parents place on civic engagement and relationships within the community has been shown to transfer to the child who, in turn, replicates values, such as responsibility, empathy, and caring for others: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of the week of September 12 through September 16, 2016, as National Family Service Learning Week (2) encourages people across the United States to support family service learning and community development programs; (3) recognizes the importance that family service learning plays in cultivating family literacy, civic engagement, and community investment; and (4) calls upon public, private, and nonprofit entities to support family service learning opportunities to aid in the advancement of families.

Summary: Supports the designation of September 12-16, 2016, as National Family Service Week to raise awareness about the importance of family service learning, family literacy, community service, and two-generational learning experiences.