How to Request a Proclamation

Each year advocates from across the United States engage policymakers in their state about the importance of colorectal cancer awareness. In 2020, nearly 400 advocates participated and 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico recognized March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Join us and turn your state blue with a proclamation in 2021!

Want your state to recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? It’s easy! Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather Materials for Your Request

Every state’s process is different, but we’ve got you covered! Most states require a letter explaining why it is important to recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, sample language for the official proclamation, and information about colorectal cancer. Our guide will even tell you if your state has suspended proclamations requests due to the pandemic!

2. Know the Deadline

Your governor’s office will need time to process your request, so start early! As a rule of thumb, it’s good to submit your request at least six to eight weeks in advance to allow time for the governor’s office to process the request. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month runs the full month of March starting on March 1, so December and January are a great time to get started!

3. Submit!

Make it official! Once you have all your request materials together for your state from our toolkit, submit them to the governor’s office. For some, you’ll be able to do this online, for others you’ll need to mail a hard copy. Some states may have additional requirements so make sure you double-check with your governor’s office to ensure you have everything you need to complete your proclamation request.

4. Follow Up

Once you’ve submitted your request, make sure it stays at the top of their list! If you don’t hear from them, follow up within two weeks to make sure they are making progress on your request.

5. Celebrate Your Success

When your proclamation has been accepted, it’s time to celebrate! Here’s a few ways you can do that: 

• Share a #StrongArmSelfie on your social media accounts with your proclamation, tagging @FightCRC, and don’t forget #CRCAdvocacy so other advocates can interact with you! 
• Be sure to write to your Governor’s office to thank them for being #RelentlessChampions for the colorectal cancer community. 
• Let us know your state has been secured by emailing us at advocate@fightcrc.org  

Who is Secured In 2021?

Check back here to see which states have submitted requests and which states have officially declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!  Be sure to keep us updated on your state’s progress by emailing us at advocate@fightcrc.org! 

Going Beyond the Proclamation

Want to do more? 

• Invite local landmarks, health care systems, and other local establishments to “go blue” March 5-12, 2020 (or any time in March). Visit the Colon Cancer Coalition’s website for a toolkit on how to turn your town blue!
• Request a proclamation from your city or town! Contact your mayor’s office to have your community recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. 
• Sign up for Call-on Congress updates to learn more about Fight CRC’s advocacy work from March through June 2021, ending with taking action around CRC policy on Capitol Hill! 
• Check out Fight CRC’s free educational materials and learn how you can share them in your local community as a Resource Champion!

2020 State Proclamations Sponsors and Partners

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