Spreading the word in your community about National Invest In Veterans Week® is a great way to draw even more attention to this special week. One way to create local buzz for veteran business owners in your community is by getting a proclamation, and it can be easy if you follow these steps. In many areas, a mayor or governor can issue a proclamation without action from the city council or state legislature.

So how to get a proclamation issued without legislative action?

Call your local mayor or governor's office to determine how proclamations are issued. Contact information can be found on your town's Web site. Issuing a proclamation may take a few months.

Identify a city council member or mayor to sponsor the proclamation. Your local mayor or governor's office can direct you to a city council member who may sponsor your proclamation. If you already know a city council member, it should be easy to get assistance. Have your materials ready when you call to ask for support, such as the South Carolina National Invest In Veterans Week® proclamation available on this Web site.

Determine the approval process. Work with your sponsor to determine a schedule for approving your proclamation. Offer letters of support or speakers if needed.

Elicit support for your proclamation from other leaders in your city or state. Ask your co-workers to contact their mayors, city council members, or local and state officials by writing letters or scheduling visits and encouraging them to support the proclamation.

Ensure your sponsor sees your proclamation through to the final stages. Follow up with your sponsor throughout the process to make sure things are on track.

How to get a proclamation issued when legislative action is required?

Start the process immediately if you need to work through the city council or state legislature to obtain a resolution. You will know if you need legislative action after you call your local mayor or governor's office.

Identify a sponsor for the resolution. The sponsor must be a state representative or state senator. Find someone who is supportive of veteran issues or who has voiced an interest in veteran entrepreneurial issues. This could also be an opportunity to educate a government official not familiar with the issues facing veteran business owners. If you already have a relationship with a state representative or state senator, it should be easier to get assistance.

Determine how the legislation will move forward. Keep in touch with your sponsor to ensure passage of the resolution. You may also be asked to send someone to speak on behalf of the resolution at a hearing. Have materials prepared and be ready to share insight about the unique skills and contributions veteran business owners possess, as well as the guidance and support they give to their communities.

Elicit support for your resolution from other leaders in your city or state. Ask your co-workers or friends to contact their mayors, city council members, or local and state officials by writing letters or scheduling visits. The legislature will appreciate hearing from constituents and knowing they have their support on particular issues.

Follow up with your sponsor. Legislators are busy with many issues each day. Stay in touch with your sponsor and identify other steps you can take to ensure the resolution passes.