Governor Napolitano believes that proclamations are an excellent way of providing valuable education and information to the citizens of Arizona. Proclamations are provided by Governor Napolitano’s Office of Constituent Services. The Governor's Office handles as many requests as possible, in accordance with a set of long-standing guidelines. At her discretion, Governor Napolitano will issue proclamations for noteworthy state or local events that deserve special recognition as a courtesy to Arizona residents. These public service documents are strictly honorary and are not legally binding. All proclamation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Governor reserves the right to decline any request for a proclamation or to make exception to the following guidelines:

• Proclamations recognize a day, week or month.

• Proclamations are issued for Arizona non-profit organizations with preferably statewide, but at least regional interest. Local (city or county wide proclamations) can be issued by local officials (mayors or county commissioners).

• Proclamations will not name specific organizations unless they are non - profit.

• Proclamations are issued for one period of time only. For example, if “Litter Cleanup Day” is proclaimed on January 1, then “Litter Cleanup Week, “ “Litter Cleanup Month” will not be proclaimed later in the year. Arizona organizations are encouraged to coordinate their efforts with other similar groups before contacting the Governor’s office. Organizations are encouraged to request proclamations that coincide with national or state- designated dates.

• Requests that are similar to already issued proclamations will be declined. For example, if “Ballet Week” was proclaimed in January and a request for “Ballet Dance Month” is received in June, the request for “Ballet Month” would be declined. A copy of the “Ballet Week” proclamation could be provided instead.

• Proclamations are not issued for conferences, birthdays, retirements, weddings, or anniversaries.

• An exception may be made when a large statewide organization is celebrating a milestone anniversary in conjunction with a state convention. The Governor may declare to honor an anniversary of the association in conjunction with the convention.

• Another exception may be made when a national organization is holding a national meeting in Arizona. The Governor may issue a proclamation in honor of the state and national organization in conjunction with its convention.

• Requests will be accepted no more than 6 months in advance and will not be issued more than 3 months in advance of the event.

• Four week notice is required to provide proclamations.
  Any draft language provided may be edited or rewritten at the discretion of the Governor’s office. Every request must gain official approval before being issued.

What to Include in Proclamation Request

1. All proclamation requests must be in writing and can be submitted by an Arizona resident via mail, fax or E-mail.

2. Contact person's first and last name, address and telephone number.

3. A brief summary and/or background of the event or organization.

4. The name and date(s) of the day, week, month, or event to be proclaimed.

5. Proposed text for the proclamation, including 4-6 “Whereas” clauses.

6. An indication of whether the completed proclamation should be mailed (standard U.S. mail) or if you will pick it up.

7. A date when the proclamation is needed.

E-mail address: azgov@az.gov