Asking Elected Officials for a Proclamation

Jan 01, 1998

GLSEN has sought to obtain such proclamations on the occasion of significant events in the organization's history, and was honored by:

• Connecticut Governor Lowell Weicker;
• The California State Legislature;
• Massachusetts Governor William Weld;
• Oregon Governor John A. Kitzhaber;
• Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan;
• Boston Mayor Thomas Menino
• New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani

Obtaining such proclamations can be surprisingly easy, and their symbolic value in legitimizing local work is almost immeasurable.

We suggest the following steps:

HAVE A SPECIFIC OCCASION TO RECOGNIZE. A specific event: a conference, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual History Month, or a similar happening provides a "tie-in" for such a proclamation.

< B>FIND A CONTACT. "Joe Constituent" is less likely to get an official's attention: ask someone who knows the official to pitch the idea if possible. Contacts might include a staff person with responsibility for gay community relations ; campaign volunteers or contributors; or personal friends of the official. Have this person present your case.

PRESENT A CLEAR RATIONALE FOR THE PROCLAMATION. This should include: a cover letter explaining the occasion and why you want the proclamation; a sample text (which they can use as a template); and supporting materials such as similar proclamations issued on GLSEN's behalf, information on the specific event, and general information on GLSEN. Officials want to know that they are not alone in taking this step, that people will appreciate it, and that the organization being honored will not embarrass them. Reassure them on all counts. (See two examples of official proclamations below)

RECOGNIZE THE PROCLAMATION PUBLICLY. There are a variety of ways to do this, including inviting an official or representative to address a gathering such as a conference and formally present the proclamation to the group; organizing an event wherein GLSEN representatives formally accept the proclamation from the official; and sending copies of the proclamation as part of a press release on the event. Officials like to be thanked in front of others. Be sure to do it.

KEEP UP YOUR CONTACTS. Put whomever helped you get that proclamation on your mailing list and update them regularly on your work. Save the proclamation and use it to convince them on future occasions to do it again.

Proclamation have enormous value in affirming people’s sense of belonging. For minimal work, you can help your group achieve greater visibility, credibility, and a sense of worth.

TWO EXAMPLES OF GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATIONS:

OREGON WHEREAS: Gay and lesbian people have made many important contributions to society; and

WHEREAS: Recent research has shed new light on these contributions and has increased all of our understanding of gay and lesbian people and their history; and

WHEREAS: 1995 is the twenty-sixth anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, which marked the beginning of the modern gay and lesbian liberation movement in the United States; and

WHEREAS: Nine states have already banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS: The Kitzhaber administration is committed to fairness and the recognition of the full rights and responsibilities of all Oregonians; and

WHEREAS: Oregon voters have affirmed their commitment to these principles and have made history by electing five openly gay and lesbian legislators to the state legislature; and

WHEREAS: October 1994 was declared the inaugural Lesbian and Gay History Month, and all citizens will benefit from a better understanding of this history;

NOW, THEREFORE, I John A. Kitzhaber, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim October 1995 to be Lesbian and Gay History Month in Oregon and encourage all our citizens to join in this observance.

MASSACHUSETTS THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS A PROCLAMATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR WILLIAM F. WELD 1993

WHEREAS: The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) was created in 1990 by the Independent School Association of Massachusetts to provide professional training to school staffs on issues of sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS: GLSEN seeks to promote educational opportunity and equity for gay and lesbian teachers and students; and

WHEREAS: GLSEN brings together both gay and straight teachers from public and private schools throughout Massachusetts to discuss educational possibilities, curriculum, and programs that help to create a safer, more inclusive environment in our schools; and

WHEREAS: The 1992 GLSEN Conference brought together 300 teachers from 10 states, making it one of the largest professional conferences for teachers in the Northeast during the 1991-1992 academic year; and

WHEREAS: The 1993 GLSEN Conference at Milton Academy will be an even larger event, with record participation from public school educators in this state; and

WHEREAS: The Weld/Cellucci Administration created the Governor's Commission of Gay and Lesbian Youth and fully supports equal educational opportunity for gay and lesbian youth; and

WHEREAS: Members of GLSEN can play and integral role in fulfilling the Commission's mandate and help to create a safe and productive learning environment in our schools for gay and lesbian youth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM F. WELD Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby honor and commend

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network in Massachusetts in recognition of the organization's contributions to quality education in Massachusetts schools.