A proclamation initiative generally involves efforts first to develop and obtain the actual proclamation and later to use the proclamation to support change. Generally, key steps in obtaining a proclamation include:
- An initial contact to the appropriate executive office
- Submission of a request and supporting information
- Development, review, and revision of draft language
- Executive signature
- Outreach and accompanying events (e.g., press conference, community events, release of related publications, special Web site pages).
The specific process for requesting a proclamation likely will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction because each executive office has a unique way of conducting business. The office's Web site may provide guidance and contact information. Your proclamation development team will need to understand the established procedures and protocols, become familiar with the key players, and align your strategies accordingly.
Important considerations for understanding and planning for the process include:
- Have you familiarized yourself with the proclamation process of the executive office?
- How much lead time do you need to meet key time points in the process? (For example, if you want to declare April Child Abuse Prevention Month in your county, how early will you need to submit the proclamation?)
- Are you linking your local proclamation to a national proclamation (e.g., National Foster Care Month)? Will you try to make the proclamation an annual initiative?
- Has this type of proclamation been attempted previously? If yes, how can you learn from and improve upon the previous efforts?
- What connections do team members have with the executive office? Who will take the lead in contacting the appropriate staff in the executive office to request a proclamation?
Resources
California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Congress.gov
Library of Congress
Information about Federal legislation.
Laws and Policies
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Laws and Policies
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau
Laws and Policies That Promote Systems of Care
Child Welfare Information Gateway
National Conference of State Legislatures
Provides information about State and Federal legislation and resources on a variety of issue areas.
State and Local Government on the Net