HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Proclamations
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY MONTH
April 1 - 30, 2025
WHEREAS, in 2004, Celebrate Diversity Month was initiated in the month of April to
recognize and honor the myriad ways in which our community is enriched by
differences that are both visible and invisible; and
WHEREAS, Celebrate Diversity Month has evolved to include the celebration of all forms
of diversity—including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity,
sexual orientation, age, religion, physical and mental ability, socioeconomic
status, language, cultural heritage, national origin, and other attributes that
contribute to our unique community fabric; and
WHEREAS, our individual differences foster creativity, innovation, and empathy, enabling
deeper engagement and mutual respect among community members; and
WHEREAS, recognizing and embracing these diverse perspectives is essential for breaking
down stereotypes, reducing prejudice and discrimination, and promoting
social cohesion; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael has made inclusivity a Citywide priority by striving to
build a workforce and community environment that reflects the full spectrum
of our society’s richness; and
WHEREAS, by celebrating diversity, we not only honor the unique contributions of each
person but also create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and collaboration
that strengthen our entire community; and
WHEREAS, the City’s mission to enhance quality of life and foster a safe, healthy,
prosperous, and livable environment depends on recognizing, celebrating, and
learning from the diverse qualities that each community member brings to our
shared experience.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael, with a
firm belief in the power of diversity to benefit all aspects of our lives, hereby proclaim April 1-30, 2025,
as Celebrate Diversity Month. The City encourages all residents and community members to use this
month as an opportunity to embrace every dimension of diversity, celebrate our unique differences,
and work together to create a more inclusive, understanding, and unified community.
_____________
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (NAAHM)
April 1 - 30, 2025
WHEREAS, in the nineteenth century, Arab individuals, families, and communities began
a notable migration to the United States, from counties in the Middle East and
North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco,
Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria, the Gulf countries, and Libya, with
approximately 200,000 Arabs living in the United States by 1924; and
WHEREAS, these early Arab immigrants brought with them resilient family values, a strong
work ethic, a dedication to education, and a rich diversity of faiths and creeds,
making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of society in America
—including medicine, law, business, education, technology, and government—
which have strengthened our democracy; and
WHEREAS, with approximately 3.7 million Arabs and Arab Americans currently living in
the United States, with more than 533,000 Arabs and Arab Americans residing
in California alone, the community is as diverse as its origins, each group
contributing its own rich histories, cultural traditions, and perspectives that
enhance our collective social fabric; and
WHEREAS, Arab individuals and communities continue to endure the challenges of
ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, as well as prejudice, hostility, bigotry, and
persecution based on religious beliefs, dress, and cultural practices, and the
City of San Rafael unequivocally condemns such actions while urging its
residents to embrace, learn from, share with, and celebrate the varied
uniqueness of the Arab community; and
WHEREAS, April is recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month, we take time
to honor Arab Americans in our community, state, and nation, and Arabs
abroad as part of the world diaspora, and recognize their role in the
development of America and the continued influence Arab Americans have in
all aspects of life; and
WHEREAS, National Arab American Heritage Month provides a platform for learning
about and celebrating the cultural, artistic, historical, and social achievements
of Arab Americans, reinforcing the understanding that their diverse narratives
and contributions are integral to the past, present, and future of our nation.;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael, encourage all
community members to engage with opportunities to learn about and support our Arab American neighbors,
friends, and businesses, and to celebrate the achievements and contributions from the Arab community, and to
encourage each of us to commit to supporting religious and cultural freedoms.
_________
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
April 6 - 12, 2025
WHEREAS, in today’s digitally connected world, libraries offer welcoming, accessible
spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and play; and
WHEREAS, libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning
through digital content, emerging technologies, arts, educational and cultural
programs, and books; and
WHEREAS, as vibrant community hubs, libraries foster civic engagement, critical thinking,
and equitable access to information for all; and
WHEREAS, libraries empower individuals of all ages—from children in story times to
adults advancing their careers—by offering resources, training, and
opportunities for personal and professional growth; and
WHEREAS, through partnerships with schools, local businesses, cultural institutions, and
community organizations, libraries maximize resources, strengthen
communities, and connect people with knowledge, technology, and support;
and
WHEREAS, libraries champion intellectual freedom, safeguarding the right to read, think,
and explore without censorship, while fostering discovery, collaboration, and
creativity; and
WHEREAS, dedicated library staff create welcoming, inclusive spaces that inspire
exploration and a love of learning; and
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers nationwide are celebrating National
Library Week, encouraging everyone to engage with their libraries and
recognize their role in building stronger, more connected communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE COLIN, Mayor of San Rafael, hereby proclaim April 6 through 12, 2025
as National Library Week. I encourage all residents to connect with their library this week by visiting
any of the San Rafael libraries, either online or in person, to explore resources, access services, and
participate in events and programs.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
April 5-11, 2025
WHEREAS, children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional, and language and literacy
development is built on a foundation of children’s positive interactions with
adults, peers, and their environment; and
WHEREAS, childcare is an essential service that parents rely on so they can work, attend
school or participate in training, knowing their children are well cared for in a
stable, nurturing and thriving environment; and
WHEREAS, access to high quality childcare is critical for all young children and families, closes
the gap of school readiness, and leads to positive outcomes for all children; and
WHEREAS, high–quality early childhood education promotes the intellectual, emotional, and
physical development of children, which prepares them to be responsible and
contributing members of our society; and
WHEREAS, public policies and programs which support early learning for all young children
are crucial to their futures, and those who contribute significantly to the lives of
young children in our community deserve our recognition and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael encourages all community members during this week and
throughout the month of April to celebrate our youngest learners by recognizing
and supporting the needs of young children in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE COLIN, Mayor of San Rafael, do hereby proclaim April 5-11, 2025, as the
Week of the Young Child.
Kate Colin
Mayor
