SECURING A PROCLAMATION FROM YOUR GOVERNOR, STATE SUPERINTENDENT OR BOARD OF EDUCATION
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WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Give greater visibility to service-learning in your state by requesting a proclamation or resolution that officially adopts the Learn and Serve Challenge Week or the designation of a Service-Learning Month.
Timeframe:
Allow at least four to six weeks
HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT:
Step 1. Investigate to find out who the contact person is that handles proclamation requests for your selected jurisdiction.
Step 2. Send your request in writing by fax or e-mail (preferably on organizational letterhead). Ask your contact which method he or she prefers.
Step 3. Include a page of information, typically a draft of your proposed proclamation, that you would like highlighted in the document.
When drafting your proposed language:
a. Start out broad and funnel down to your local area.
b. Include statistics.
c. Acknowledge that the event is being held nationally.
d. The proposed language should not take sides in matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, or individual conviction.
Step 4. Include a contact name and phone number in case there are questions about your submission.
Step 5. Give the office 4-6 weeks lead time in order to process your request. Don’t forget that governmental offices use their discretion in modifying or denying any request.
Step 6. Find out about their procedure for obtaining completed documents. Will they mail it or should it be picked up? Will it also be available on their website?
Resources:
Sample PROCLAMATION Language:
WHEREAS, {State}’s youth make important contributions to the state’s welfare everyday of the year and {State} depends on youth as vital community assets; and
WHEREAS, service-learning, an effective teaching method that combines service to the community with curriculum-based learning, is a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that service-learning has an enduring positive impact on students’ academic achievement, personal and social development, and civic engagement, particularly among students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that the historically high level of volunteering demonstrated by America’s youth has been attributed in part to the growth of service-learning in our nation’s schools; and
WHEREAS, young people will benefit greatly from expanded opportunities to engage in meaningful service-learning; and
WHEREAS, young people should be viewed as the hope not only of the future, but also of today, and should be valued for the idealism, energy, creativity, and commitment they bring to the challenges in their communities; and
WHEREAS, through service-learning, young people build character and learn valuable skills, including time management, teamwork, needs-assessment, and leadership, that are sought by employers; and
RESOLVED, that the week of October 6-12, 2008 be devoted to the recognition of everyone who contributes to the civic and academic engagement of {State}’s young people; and
RESOLVED, that the week of October 6-12, 2008 be designated as Learn and Serve Challenge Week in {State}.
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