How to Write a Proclamation

Proclamations can be written easily in a word processing program.

If the opportunity presents itself to make an unequivocal statement, proclamation writing may be in order. When you compose a proclamation, you not only take a first stand on an issue or topic, you also back up this stand with an explanation of the factors that lead you to take that stance in the first place. By composing a proclamation in classic form, you can make your desires known as well as entice others to agree with you by providing authority to back up your choice.

Instructions

1. Write concisely, yet specifically. While your proclamation shouldn't be wordy, it also shouldn't be too short. Don't use superfluous words, but do not allow your eagerness to be concise to lead you to compose a dull and vague proclamation, as part of the purpose of a proclamation is to entice others to join you in your cause. To ensure that your proclamation is an effective one, pepper in carefully selected adjectives to strengthen it.

2. Compose "whereas" statements stating why you are making the proclamation. The first several sections of your proclamation should begin with the word "whereas." These statements should make it clear why you are making the proclamation. For example, if you are proclaiming a certain day such as "Say No to Drugs" day, one of your statements could be "Whereas drugs are an ever-growing problem in our society that is claiming the lives of more and more young people."

3. Skip a space between each "whereas" statement, allowing each to stand as its own paragraph. Even though your "whereas" statements will likely not be more than a sentence or two each, they should all be separated from each other.

4. Conclude with a "therefore" statement in which you make the actual proclamation itself. Clearly state what you are proclaiming in this section, using the word "proclaim" to make your point clear. For example, you could say, "Therefore, the Dover City Council proclaims March 1, 2011 as 'Say No to Drugs' day."

Tips & Warnings

• Before contacting elected officials about issuing a proclamation, have the proclamation written so they know what they are endorsing.

• Be sure to write a thank-you note to elected officials after receiving the proclamation.

References

• Red Ribbon Week: Official Proclamations
• Council of Collaboratives: Official Proclamations