Ask your city to recognize August

Who to ask

Start local. A city or county recognition is the quickest win, and it helps when you ask the state.

• City

  Your mayor or your city council member

  Many cities issue a certificate, a proclamation from the mayor, or a council resolution. Your council member's office is usually the easiest place to start.

• County

  Your county supervisor or commissioner

  County boards often present proclamations or scrolls at a public meeting. Ask your district office how they handle requests.

• State

  Your state legislators, or the governor's office

  Awareness months are often recognized through a legislative resolution authored by a state legislator, or a governor's proclamation. Ask early; these can take months.

Every office has its own process and timeline, so check its website or call to confirm how it handles requests.

Replace everything in [brackets] before sending.

[Your name]
[Street address, City, State ZIP]
[Email] · [Phone]

[Date]

The Honorable [Official's full name]
[Title, e.g. Councilmember, District X]
[Office address]

Re: Request to proclaim August [Year] as Unemployment Awareness Month

Dear [Title] [Last name],

I am a resident of [city / district] and I'm writing to ask you to recognize August [Year] as Unemployment Awareness Month in [city / county / state].

Unemployment Awareness Month is observed every August. It asks our community to make unemployment visible, to treat people who are looking for work with dignity rather than stigma, to look after their mental health, and to encourage local employers to give people between jobs a fair look (#HiringForGood). Its symbol is a green and white ribbon.

[One or two sentences on why this matters to you or to your community.]

A recognition from your office would tell residents who are between jobs that they are seen and supported, and would encourage local employers, workforce centers and neighbors to take part. I have attached a draft proclamation for your office to adapt as you see fit, [and a letter of support from (organization)].

If possible, I would be glad to accept the proclamation in person [at a council meeting in late July or early August].

Thank you for your time and consideration. You can reach me at [email] or [phone].

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Organization, if any]

More information: Unemployment Awareness Month, https://unemploymentawarenessmonth.org

Replace everything in [brackets] before sending.

PROCLAMATION
Unemployment Awareness Month, August [Year]

WHEREAS, people of every background, age and profession experience unemployment at some point in their working lives, and job loss can affect anyone; and

WHEREAS, being out of work can strain household finances, routines, relationships and mental health, often out of sight and in silence; and

WHEREAS, people who are between jobs deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and should not face stigma for looking for work; and

WHEREAS, employers, workforce centers, nonprofits, faith groups and neighbors in [City / County / State] can help by sharing opportunities, making introductions and giving job seekers a fair look; and

WHEREAS, Unemployment Awareness Month is observed every August, with a green and white ribbon as its symbol, to make unemployment visible, encourage compassion, and promote hiring for good;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [Name], [Title] of [City / County / State], do hereby proclaim August [Year] as

UNEMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

in [City / County / State], and encourage all residents, businesses and organizations to support people who are seeking work, to connect them with local resources, and to consider #HiringForGood.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [day] day of [month], [year].

______________________________
[Name], [Title]