Idaho House declares 2026 the “Year of Volunteerism,” passes America 250 resolution

The Idaho House of Representatives on Jan. 22 passed House Concurrent Resolution 22, declaring 2026 the "Year of Volunteerism" in Idaho and endorsing the America 250 Idaho service challenge, which aims to record 250,000 acts of service statewide.

The resolution was presented by the committee and taken up after the House suspended its rules. "We are looking to get 250,000 acts of service by the end of the year," said a representative sponsoring the measure, adding that service activity will be tracked at idahokindness.com. The resolution also names "Forever Idaho" as the event theme song and highlights "Spuddy Buddy" mascots associated with the Idaho Potato Commission's outreach efforts.

The sponsor urged members to visit the Capitol Rotunda to sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence that will collect signatures from Idahoans for the 250th anniversary commemoration. After no additional debate, the Speaker announced the resolution adopted by voice vote and said it would be transmitted to the Senate.

The measure calls for public engagement across schools, families and community organizations to mark America's 250th birthday with coordinated volunteer activities and civic events. Co-chairs and organizers acknowledged members of the advisory council and named Treasurer Julie Ellsworth and Jess Whiting for their roles in the statewide effort.

Next steps: House Concurrent Resolution 22 will be sent to the Idaho Senate for consideration; because it is a concurrent resolution it expresses the legislature's intent and encouragement rather than creating binding law.