Anniversary Proclamation

Women's Rights Movement Anniversary Proclamations

Give your political representatives an opportunity to act on behalf of their constituents and contribute to community awareness of the anniversary by asking them to sponsor the following proclamation. Easy "how to" steps follow this Sample Proclamation text.

Sample Proclamation for:
The 150th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement

Whereas 1998 will mark the 150th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement in the United States, a bold and courageous civil rights movement that began in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, at the first Women's Rights Convention ever held; and

Whereas the Declaration of Sentiments issued by that Convention represents a work as fundamental to our nation's commitment to liberty and personal freedom as does our Declaration of Independence; and

Whereas that declaration launched a movement that has changed this nation and the hopes of its women irrevocably; and

Whereas the resulting Women's Rights Movement has had a profound and undeniable impact on all aspects of American life, and has opened new and well-deserved opportunities for women in all fields of endeavor, including among others commerce, athletics, business, education, religion, the arts and scientific exploration; and

Whereas the full history of this century-and-a-half of efforts now spanning seven generations of unceasing work to achieve equality for fully half the American population still, regrettably, remains unknown and unrecognized by our nation's citizens; and

Whereas the girls and boys of today, together, have lives far richer and far fairer as a direct result of the Women's Rights Movement, yet they have scant opportunity to know the heroes and lessons of this vital movement through the textbooks in most classrooms; and

Whereas the twenty-first century will find an ever-increasing need for both women and men to share in the fundamental responsibilities for our national life and the blessings that must result from full and equal participation in society; and

Whereas there still remain substantial barriers to the full equality of America's women before our freedom as a Nation can be called complete; and

Whereas March 1998 is National Women's History Month, celebrated with the theme of "Living the Legacy of Women's Rights":

Now therefore, be it resolved that 1998 will be widely recognized and celebrated as the 150th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement under the national theme, "Living the Legacy: Women's Rights Movement 1848-1998." I/we hereby call on educators, government officials, businesses, and all citizens to mark this year of celebration with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that will remember with gratitude those who have contributed to the nation we were envisioned and created to be, where all have by right a position of equality, fairness, justice, and freedom, in the society of the United States of America.

How To Request a Resolution

Resolutions or proclamations from city, county, or state governments can be initiated by individuals or through organizations. You do not need to know anyone in the particular governing body you are contacting to make the request, although such a contact could ease the process. Such proclamations are given out frequently throughout the year for a variety of purposes. The key is to contact a helpful person.

Call the general information number for the governmental office. Explain to whomever answers that you are interested in having a proclamation issued in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement. You will be referred to the person who handles such matters. However, if there is a known supporter of women's issues on the board or council, ask how to contact that person specifically and skip (b).
Obtain the name (correctly spelled) and title of the person responsible for introducing or processing proclamations. Does anyone you know have a personal contact with this person or with a member of the council or board that could ease the process?
Mail a letter and a sample proclamation to the contact person, and send a copy to the mayor/legislator/chairperson as well.
After a few days, call the contact person and verify that your letter has arrived. Ask what the process is for having such proclamations passed and when you might expect the proclamation to be issued. State your eagerness to be present to receive it and find out if that will be possible. Will a staff or newspaper photographer be assigned to record the occasion?
Ask for a copy of the final version of the proclamation that will be signed.
Make copies of this for distribution to the local media and for other promotional purposes.
The day the proclamation is issued, take a "Living the Legacy: The Women's Rights Movement 1848-1998" commemorative poster to present in exchange! Give a commemorative button to everyone official who is present (take along plenty!). If you cannot be present, make arrangements to have a copy of the proclamation mailed to you. Note: the poster and buttons are available through the free Women's History Catalog of the National Women's History Project.
Have copies of the proclamation and information on the 150th Anniversary celebration ready to give to media covering the meeting.
Once the proclamation is issued, send notes thanking everyone who was involved.
Send the proclamation to the city or government editor of each local newspaper in the jurisdiction, and to the manager of each radio station. If you are planning additional events, include information about your planned events in a cover letter.