Obtaining a State Proclamation
Declaring October as Co-op Month
Obtaining a state proclamation recognizing Co-op Month is a key tool for promoting cooperative commitment to community this October.
Below are tips that can help you secure a proclamation for your state.
Step 1: Organize a coalition of local cooperatives and state cooperative associations, such as state credit union leagues, statewide rural electric cooperative associations, state co-op councils and other organizations to jointly work toward a state proclamation.
Step 2: Work with the coalition to agree on the text of a Co-op Month proclamation for your state. In keeping with the 2009 Co-op Month theme—Your Values, Your Business—focus your proclamation on the shared values among the cooperative community and involvement of co-ops in your state. Use our sample proclamation as a starting point.
Step 3: On behalf of your coalition, contact your governor’s office and speak with the staff person who handles state proclamation requests. They’ll explain the procedure for requesting a state proclamation for your state. Each state handles such requests differently, so be flexible. Click here for a list of state governors.
Step 4: Most offices will ask for a formal letter of request, including a copy of the proposed proclamation. See our sample request letter. Be sure to copy your state senator or legislator on the letter. To ensure your state office receives the letter on time, you may need to fax and e-mail the request letter.
Step 5: Elicit support from friendly state legislators. Urge them to contact the governor’s office with their support for the proclamation.
Step 6: If your governor agrees to sign the proclamation, ask for a public signing.
If your governor grants a public signing, issue a press release, take photos and be sure to invite elected notables as well as the media. Be sure to coordinate all press activities with your governor’s press office.
If you can’t get a public signing, don’t despair. Ask that the governor send the proclamation to your cooperative and unveil it with a local or state elected official at your own event. Make sure you promote this event through your newsletter, website and local press outlets.
Step 7: Say "Thank You!" Be sure to send a thank you letter to the governor and any legislators who were supportive.
Step 8: Be sure to submit your sample resolution, press materials and photos to the Community Commitment Gallery on this web site.
If you can’t get a state proclamation signed, remember that mayors and city councils also pass resolutions and proclamations. Getting resolutions passed locally can be a key public relations tool.
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