AMC Awareness Day Proclamation FAQ

What is a proclamation?

A proclamation is a formal public statement. It is a major statement made in front of an audience or the authoritative word on some subject. It’s most often used in an official or government context. Proclamations can be created at the local, state, and federal level.

Why do I have to request a proclamation every year?

A proclamation is an official document to commemorate a specific time period (day, week, or month) for the purpose of raising awareness about an issue, or celebrating milestones. Therefore, if a proclamation has been issued in the past, a new request still needs to be requested each year.

Why is it important to obtain proclamations?

Proclamations are a great way to raise awareness within your community about arthrogryposis. You can use the proclamation for media outreach and social media.

Where do I request proclamations from?

Municipalities include: Governor’s office, Town, Cities, Boroughs, Counties or Parishes. A city or county website may list appropriate contacts.

Who do I request proclamations from?

A state Governor, Mayor, First Selectman, City Council or County Commission’s office

How do I get started in obtaining a proclamation?

Email AMCSIBOD@gmail.com to sign up for your state. We will maintain a list so our volunteers don’t duplicate efforts. If there is another volunteer working on your state, we can put you in contact with them to join forces.

Most states request submission of a request 2 months prior to AMC Awareness Day, June 30 each year.

Follow up 10 to 14 days after you submit the request.

What happens when I get the proclamation?

Share with AMCSI and the AMC community and flood the internet with photos. Don’t forget to add hashtags #AMCAwareness, #arthrogryposis and #AMCAwareness2019

Write a letter, post on officials Facebook and\or Twitter account to the mayor, governor or legislators and thank them for their support in bringing official attention to Arthrogryposis.

What do I write?

Here is an example of what to write:

• Organization: AMC Support
  Website: AMCSUPPORT.ORG
• Arthrogryposis Awareness Day Proclamation
• Whereas: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a condition that causes many joints to be stiff and crooked at birth. A newborn with arthrogryposis lacks the normal range of motion in one or more joints. This condition develops prenatally and can be caused by an underlying condition or syndrome; andWhereas: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita is an umbrella diagnosis, meaning that it is a part of many other
  conditions and syndromes. There are over 400 different types of AMC of which Amyoplasia, Distal Escobar Syndrome is the most common: and
• Whereas: A newborn has to have three contracted joints in two different body areas to be diagnosed with arthrogrypoisis. This occurs in 1 in 3,000 births; and
• Whereas: Joints that can be affected by AMC include the joints in the hands, feet, hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, fingers, toes, as well as the jaw and the spine. Though all joints can be affected, some may be unaffected as no two people experience the same symptoms; and
• Whereas: Though arthrogryposis is not curable, it is treatable. Treatment goals aim to allow those living with the condition as much independence in their daily lives as possible; now
• Therefore: I, Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim June 30, 2024, as ARTHROGRYPOSIS AWARENESS DAY in New Jersey.