What is a National Proclamation, and why does it matter?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” --Margaret Mead A national proclamation is an official statement issued by the president on some matter of importance that he or she wants to publish or make known. A "ceremonial" proclamation is often issued to designate a special holiday or observance. In this case, we are asking the president to make known the seriousness of rheumatoid disease and its impact on individuals and society, by designating February 2nd as an annual day of observance to promote the awareness of rheumatoid disease. While we have already celebrated 5 years of Rheumatoid Awareness Day without this proclamation, getting a national proclamation from the president would help to draw additional attention to our cause and would help further our efforts in bringing rheumatoid disease out of the shadows. We have already attained proclamations from several localities across the U.S. Putting Rheumatoid Awareness Day in the national limelight would serve to draw additional attention to the true facts about RD in order to bring about better care, accommodations, treatments and understanding for people with RD. In addition, as more people understand the systemic nature of the disease, it will help decision makers realize the need for additional research funding that could lead to a cure for rheumatoid disease. National recognition would provide additional credibility and support to underscore our message. We will keep fighting -- fighting the disease and fighting the ignorance. Join us in the fight by sharing this petition with those you know and asking them to sign. Tell them why this is so important to you, and important to us all. Together, we can do more.