Each year, an army of volunteers works across the country to shine a light on the efforts of family caregivers. Many of NFCA’s volunteers secure proclamations from their governor, mayor, representative, senator and others, recognizing and appreciating family caregivers.
Every time an elected official issues a proclamation in support of National Family Caregivers Month, NFCA will send a letter to the appropriate congressional delegation, recognizing both the volunteer and the elected official responsible for the proclamation. This will amplify their voices and keep the work of family caregivers in the spotlight, fulfilling one of NFCA’s core messages: Speak Up for Your Rights!
You can join the effort: Reach out to your elected officials. Use the sample proclamation below to get started. Be sure to send NFCA a copy of your proclamation once it’s official and we will take it from there. Together, our voices will ensure that the work of family caregivers is appreciated.
Sample Proclamation
WHEREAS, the family is the cornerstone of our nation and the fundamental ties that connect us all are those of love, dedication, commitment and caring; and
WHEREAS, more and more, family members are taking on the ultimate responsibility of caring and commitment: providing care to another family member with a long-term chronic or disabling condition; and
WHEREAS, many family members who provide care to a loved one do not see themselves as caregivers, nor do they often identify themselves as needing assistance in their role. Instead, they see themselves as loving daughters and sons, spouses and partners, or parents, siblings and friends doing what anyone else would do in their circumstance; and
WHEREAS, given the vital role family caregivers play in providing essential care to so many of our most vulnerable citizens, it is incumbent upon all sectors of our society to take note of these individuals and provide them with the support and assistance they need; and
WHEREAS, during National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the millions of Americans who give so much of themselves to provide for the health and well-being of a beloved family member. Through their countless hours of services to their families and communities, they are a shining example of our Nation’s great capacity to care for one another.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Mayor/Governor of City/State, does hereby recognize November 2011 as National Family Caregivers Month in the City/State.
