Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition:

Proclamations

Gubernatorial proclamations are special commemorative documents issued to raise public awareness and support for a particular issue, cause or initiative.  Proclamations are commonly issued in support of Virginia history and/or historical figures from Virginia, public health and safety, education, professions and/or occupations, state government initiatives, and issues the Governor would like be bring to the public’s attention.

Certificates of Recognition
 
Certificates of Recognition are documents that bring special recognition to state or local noteworthy events, individuals, groups and organizations.

Requesting a Proclamation or Certificate of Recognition

Constituency groups and individuals are encouraged to submit proclamation and certificate of recognition requests to the Governor through his Office of Community Relations.  The Governor’s Office reserves the right to modify or deny any proclamation request.

As all of the Commonwealth’s citizens are called upon to recognize and observe each proclamation, all proclamations should be Virginia-centric and broad in application.  Requests to honor specific organizations, groups, individuals and/or events will not be honored.

Neither proclamations nor certificates of recognition may be used as part of an advertisement or commercial promotion.  The use of a proclamation or certificate of recognition in any publication or form of media, including news releases and websites, is strictly forbidden without the written approval of the Governor’s Office.

Requirements and Guidelines
    All requests must:
    • Be made in writing (e-mail, fax or letter)
    • Be made 45 days in advance
    • Be made by a Virginia citizen or a Virginia-based organization
    • Not take sides in matters of political controversy
    • Affect a broad group of citizens (PROCLAMATIONS ONLY)
    All requests should include:
    • The name and date(s) of the day, week, or month to be proclaimed
    • Proposed verbiage, including 5-6 WHEREAS clauses
    • Sponsor’s full name and contact information (mailing, email, telephone)
    • A brief summary and/or background regarding the individual, group or organization making the request
    • An indication of whether the completed document should be mailed or picked up
    • A requested date for when the document is needed
Where to Send Requests

The office of the Governor prefers requests be submitted through the online request form.

Alternately, requests may be mailed to the following address:

Governor Bob McDonnell
Office of Community Relations
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
FAX: (804) 371-6351

Office of the Governor Robert F. McDonnell | © Commonwealth of Virginia 2012