Help our annual global event, “World Hijab Day” (WHD), get recognized nationally and internationally through proclamations in order to promote personal freedom of religious expression, cultural understanding and international solidarity.
What is a proclamation?
A proclamation is an official declaration, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance, issued by a person of authority to make certain announcements known. Currently, proclamations are used within the governing framework of some nations and are usually issued in the name of the head of state.
ACT NOW!
Our goal is to get Proclamations from at least 10 states within the USA before our next WHD on February 1, 2024. It takes at least 4-6 weeks to complete a Proclamation. So reach out to your state/city government well in advance!
How to Request a Proclamation within the USA from a Governor or Mayor declaring Thursday, February 1, 2024 as World Hijab Day
Here are the most common steps to request a proclamation from the governor or mayor; however, some states and cities may vary regarding proclamation procedures.
- Begin the process in November and start by locating the appropriate state or city government website.
- You may find a tab called “Mayor’s Page” or “Governor’s Page.” Also look for “Ceremonial” or “Forms” on the navigation.
- If you do not see any of these, try using the site’s Search feature with the word “proclamation.” If a proclamation draft is requested, provide the proclamation draft attached to this document below.
- Another option is the “Contact Us” link. This area allows you to write a brief message such as:
- How do I ask the governor to issue a proclamation declaring Thursday, February 1, 2024, World Hijab Day?
- How do I ask the mayor to issue a proclamation declaring Thursday, February 1, 2024, World Hijab Day?
- A staff person will probably reply and email a form to complete. Email the form back for an official signature.
- Follow up with a phone call or an email within a week just to be sure your request arrived.
- When you have confirmation that the proclamation has been signed, contact local media to suggest a news item, interview or photo with the mayor or governor and affiliate representatives.
- Inform us of the proclamation (and include a digital copy of the proclamation if possible) at info@worldhijabday.org
Additional Information
You may be asked to provide the following information depending on which state you are in:
- Date of Proclamation: February 1, 2024
- Title of Proclamation: Recognizing February 1, 2024, as World Hijab Day
- Purpose of Proclamation: “World Hijab Day” is an annual global awareness and educational event which invites women of different cultures, who do not normally wear the hijab (headscarf), to experience wearing one for a day on February 1st; its purpose is to promote personal freedom of religious expression, cultural understanding, and international solidarity. This event is commemorated in over 150 countries in both public and private sectors including, but not limited to educational, business, religious, health, and political sectors. “World Hijab Day” is a global initiative by World Hijab Day Organization, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization [EIN: 823067789].
- Draft Language of Proclamation (you may be asked to include a few WHEREAS clauses in the proclamation request form):
WHEREAS, The people of the United States and the great State of ____________________(insert the name of your State here) who come from a variety of backgrounds are united in certain foundational beliefs such as affirming the inherent dignity of all persons, the right of every person to be treated with respect, and the right of all citizens to practice their religion freely; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize Thursday, February 1, 2024, as World Hijab Day; and
WHEREAS, The Hijab, a traditional veil which covers a woman’s hair, neck and chest, has been very important to the history of Islam; it is meant to promote dignity and respect for women while maintaining modesty and respect for religious faith; and
WHEREAS, World Hijab Day was started by Nazma Khan, a resident of NJ, as a day set aside for women of different cultures, who do not normally wear the Hijab, to experience wearing one for the day; its purpose is to encourage religious tolerance, cultural understanding and international solidarity; and
WHEREAS, On February 1, 2013, the world celebrated its first annual World Hijab Day in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the Hijab and live a life of religious faith; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, World Hijab Day has participants from all over the world; and
WHEREAS, To combat prejudice, leaders in the American Muslim community are working tirelessly to show that the wearing of the Hijab is a choice, a freedom, and a blessing, as well as to educate their fellow citizens about Islam in ways which are relevant and meaningful; and
WHEREAS, One of America’s greatest strengths as a society has been our ability to embrace our different faiths and allow their members to express themselves freely; in this spirit, World Hijab Day encourages the wearing of the Hijab as a proud display of religious faith and communal bonding which will make us stronger as a nation and more accepting of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our great State and Nation while encouraging greater religious tolerance and understanding in our communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize Thursday, February 1, 2024, as World Hijab Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nazma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day.
For additional information or any other inquiries, email us at info@worldhijabday.org