RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-681

A resolution expressing the Metropolitan Council’s desire that a fund be established to accept private donations for the purpose of funding English language classes at Cohn Adult Learning Center.

WHEREAS, on January 22, 2009, the voters of Nashville and Davidson County defeated a proposed Charter amendment that would have declared English as the official language of the Metropolitan Government and would have required all official government communications and actions to be in English; and

WHEREAS, both the proponents and opponents of the measure spent an enormous amount of time, energy and resources on promoting their point of view; and

WHEREAS, now that the voters of Nashville and Davidson County have spoken, it is time for the citizens of this great city to unite and focus upon facilitating the transition of non-English speakers into our society; and

WHEREAS, Cohn Adult Learning Center currently provides English As a Second Language classes for the benefit of non-English speaking immigrants in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government has the authority to enter into grant agreements with nonprofit organizations upon approval of the Metropolitan Council by resolution; and

WHEREAS, the Council encourages the formation of a separate fund operated by a nonprofit organization to accept donations from private businesses and individuals to teach English to immigrants, and desires that such nonprofit organization in turn grant the funds to the Metropolitan Government for the benefit of Cohn Adult Learning Center.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as expressing its desire that a fund called the “Uniting Nashville Now Fund” be established to accept private donations for the purpose of funding English language classes at Cohn Adult Learning Center. The Council further requests that the Uniting Nashville Now Fund be promoted by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage contributions from businesses for the benefit of Nashville’s immigrant community.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton, Jason Holleman