Request WDFA Proclamations From Your Local Changemakers
What is a proclamation? A proclamation (also called a resolution in some localities) is an official document issued by Governors, Mayors, or other Elected Officials to commemorate a specific time period (day, week, or month) for the purpose of raising awareness of an issue or celebrating milestones. For WDFA’s 39th anniversary, our goal is to secure as many proclamations as possible commemorating World Day for Farmed Animals (October 2), and you can help.
How to Request a Proclamation: A proclamation may be requested through email, fax, postal mail, or online forms. Contact your local changemakers (Governor, Mayor, City Council, Board of Supervisors, State Legislature, etc.) to find out what process they require. Simple Google “request a proclamation in <your city, county, or state>” and follow the instructions for each.
The process for requesting a proclamation usually takes weeks, so contact your elected officials as soon as possible. Provide a draft of the proclamation (see below). The representative’s office reserves the right to modify or deny any proclamation request. If a proclamation has been issued in the past, a new request still needs to be submitted each year.
Dear Government Official,
I am writing to request that you proclaim October 2, 2023 “World Day for Farmed Animals” in «Jurisdiction».
World Day for Farmed Animals was established in 1983 to promote humane, sustainable farming practices. The date honors the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a foremost champion of humane farming.
This year’s observance is particularly meaningful:
- Nearly all farm animals are still raised in “factory farms,” where they are caged, crowded, mutilated, manhandled, drugged, and denied their natural needs.
- Surveys indicate that 93% of consumers disapprove of mistreatment of farm animals, and several states have enacted legislation protecting sick and injured animals.
- The excessive use of antibiotics to promote rapid growth of animals in factory farms threatens the ability of consumers to survive infectious diseases.
- Meat processors are exposing workers and their local communities to COVID-19 and other viruses.
- Wastes from factory farms continue to foul rivers and groundwater aquifers. 80% of all our water is still used for factory farming, in spite of widespread shortages.
- The United Nations has declared animal farming as a major contributor to global warming.
The citizens of our jurisdiction are concerned by these developments. We are planning a number of educational events to enlighten our neighbors on these issues and your proclamation will provide welcome support to these educational efforts.
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SAMPLE PROCLAMATION WORDING:
WORLD DAY for FARMED ANIMALS
October 2, 2023
WHEREAS sentient animals raised for food are caged and crowded, mutilated and manhandled, drugged and denied their natural needs in today’s factory farms; and
WHEREAS farming should be sustainable, protecting our environment and conserving our resources, rather than threaten the viability of our public lands and waterways, depleting our soil and water resources, and contributing to global warming; and
WHEREAS our food supply should be safe and wholesome, rather than contributing to heart disease, stroke, cancer, viral infections, and other afflictions that kill 1.5 million Americans each year; and
WHEREAS, citizens of «Jurisdiction» will be calling public attention to these pressing issues on or about October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the world’s foremost advocate of sustainable farming;
THEREFORE, I, «First» «Last», do hereby proclaim October 2nd, 2023 WORLD DAY FOR FARMED ANIMALS in «Jurisdiction» and call upon all of our residents to explore a wholesome, nonviolent diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Signed