Proclamations
Obtaining mayoral and/or gubernatorial proclamations are interesting promotional items that require little time in relationship to the benefits that are realized. Elected public officials generally welcome the opportunity to participate in such events. This activity should be undertaken as a joint effort of the MLPW sponsoring groups on both state and local levels. See examples of proclamations below.
Procedures for arranging a proclamation signing ceremony may vary among states and cities. A general outline is given in the following paragraphs. If these procedures do not apply in your state or local situation, government staff can be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.
Finally, bringing MLPW sponsoring groups together in the mayor or governor’s office for a MLPW proclamation signing ceremony provides a terrific media photo opportunity. Publicity is vital as you begin your MLPW activities, and it’s also a chance to tell the media why MLPW is so important and what events or activities will be happening in your area.
To Arrange the Signing of a Proclamation by a Mayor or Governor
1. Obtain the contact information for the mayor or governor’s office. Contact as far in advance as possible. Remember, elected officials have very busy schedules, so make sure to call early and be flexible in setting the time and date for the signing.
2. When you contact the official’s office, say that you wish to speak with someone about requesting that the mayor or governor sign a proclamation for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, which typically occurs the last week in April.
3. You will communicate with an administrative assistant/aide or a secretary.
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- Introduce yourself. Example: This is Jane Doe. I am the lead medical lab scientist/medical technologist at General Hospital in Our Town, and I am a local coordinator for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
- Tell the person: Medical Laboratory Professionals Week will be observed nationally the week of April 14-20, 2024. We would like to ask the (mayor/governor), to sign a proclamation designating that week as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in this (city/state). I would like to send more information explaining the week and provide suggested wording for a proclamation. I called to ask you the proper procedure.
- Gather information: Your respondent will then tell you to whom the letter should be sent. Make sure you get contact information, as well as the correct spelling of the person’s name.
4. Below is a sample letter/email:
Dear :
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week will be observed nationally April 14-20, 2024. This week recognizes the contributions of the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the medical/clinical laboratory helps give our nation the best possible health care.
I am the Medical Laboratory Professionals Week coordinator for this state/city/district, and I am writing to say that we would very much like the week to be officially recognized in our (city/ state).
I am requesting that the (mayor/governor) participate in a ceremony at his/her office to sign a proclamation declaring a celebration of the week.
The wording for a suggested proclamation is enclosed. I have also included a schedule of dates and times close to the actual week during which it would be appropriate to hold the ceremony. Please let me know if this schedule includes a convenient time for the (mayor/governor).
I look forward to hearing from you regarding the approval of the proclamation and a reserved day and time for the signing. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me, as I will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have.
I appreciate your interest.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
5. Mark a date on your calendar (approximately two weeks in the future) to call your contact if you’ve had no response.
6. Once a date has been decided, arrange for representatives of the sponsoring groups to be present for the signing. If the governor or mayor’s official photographer will not be present, request that one of your members take pictures. Share the photo on your social media channels and send a digital photo to ascls@ascls.org.
7. Be prepared to provide the mayor or governor’s press secretary with all relevant information about MLPW.
8. After the ceremony send a thank-you to the mayor or governor, as well as the individual in her/her office who helped arrange the signing. You will establish a great relationship that you may use again in the future.
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for clinical laboratory personnel.
Beyond meeting this public need, the celebration of MLPW will help increase recognition for the profession as it improves the individual practitioner’s sense of self-worth. Further, as the various professional groups within laboratory practice work together on this project, the sense of unity and purpose necessary to further the goals of all laboratorians are reinforced.
