An official gubernatorial or mayoral proclamation is superb publicity for Lab Week and puts your issues before those who make policy and regulations. Many laboratories request proclamations and receive them.

Ready? We’re here to help you get an official Lab Week proclamation, step by step:

Plan well in advance. Proclamations take lots of time.

Involve your institution's PR department and administration in the proclamation process.

Check the white pages under city or state government for addresses and phone numbers to write or call for information on requesting a proclamation.

Draft a cover letter and the proclamation. Address the official correctly and explain that your institution, along with the American Society for Clinical Pathology, other medical organizations, and tens of thousands of laboratories across the country, is celebrating Medical Laboratory Week. Include the theme, the date, and your goals to increase awareness of and recognition for medical laboratory professionals. Include interesting facts—like how many certified professionals practice in your state—and a brief description of your Lab Week plans. Ask for his/her help by proclaiming Lab Week for the city or state and include a sample proclamation for consideration. Include a contact number for additional information. Close sincerely with name, credentials, and title.

Type your final letter on your institution's letterhead, proof it carefully, and sign in ink. Copy influential individuals—your administrators, prominent physicians, or a congressperson—who may help achieve your goal.

Mail or hand deliver your cover letter, draft proclamation (adapt from the sample), and support materials. Since health care is a hot political issue, offer information helpful to the politician such as brochures, statistics, or other items that describe and explain laboratory issues and the profession. ASCP brochures and articles and surveys from Laboratory Medicine are good enclosures. You might also include a small gift, like an NMLW magnet, button, or mug.

Follow up regarding a reply. Finalize all the details. If you can, arrange a "signing ceremony" in the official's office. Be sure to ask:

• How many may attend?
• Will media be welcome?
• How much time can the official spend?
• Are photography and videotaping acceptable?