One meaningful thing you can do is ask your town to adopt a proclamation recognizing the importance of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting, especially during International Dark Sky Week.
Proclamations—sometimes called letters of support—are formal statements signed by local governments or institutions that recognize important causes or events. While they do not create new laws or policies, they serve as official expressions of support and visibility.
Proclamations and letters of support are more than symbolic gestures. They can be effective tools for advocacy, education, and public engagement, drawing attention to International Dark Sky Week and helping communities recognize the importance of protecting the night sky.
Who should you ask?
In most Vermont towns, start with the selectboard. If your town has a manager or administrator, that office may also help with the process or scheduling. In a city, the appropriate body may be the city council or mayor’s office.
If you are not sure where to begin, contact the town clerk or main municipal office and ask how proclamation requests are handled.
How to request a proclamation
1. Check your town’s process
Check the town website, or call or email to ask how a proclamation request should be submitted and when it would need to be received to appear on an agenda.
2. Use the Vermont template
We have prepared a Vermont-specific proclamation template that you can share with your town. It is designed to make the request easier for local officials by providing ready-to-use language. The template recognizes April 13–20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week and ties dark skies to Vermont’s environmental heritage, wildlife, scenic beauty, and responsible outdoor lighting.
Download the Vermont proclamation template (PDF)
Download editable Word version
3. Send a short, respectful request
Keep the request simple. Explain what you are asking for, why it matters, and attach or link to the draft template.
You could say:
Thank you for all you do for our community. I’m writing to ask whether you would consider adopting a proclamation recognizing International Dark Sky Week, April 13–20, 2026. I’ve attached a draft proclamation that can be adapted for our town, and I’d be happy to answer any questions or provide any additional background if helpful.
4. Explain why it matters locally
You do not need to make a long argument. A few grounded points are enough. Depending on your community, you might mention:
- Vermont’s rural character and scenic night skies
- responsible use of outdoor lighting
- reduced glare and light trespass
- wildlife and pollinator impacts
- energy waste from unnecessary lighting
- public awareness and education
- pride in the local landscape and night sky
The Vermont template already incorporates many of these themes, including wildlife, stewardship, community character, and responsible lighting practices.
5. Follow up politely
In Vermont, polite persistence is often key to success. Municipal offices are busy and are often staffed by volunteers, and a respectful follow-up may make the difference between a request being overlooked and one being placed on an agenda. In some towns, a brief in-person request may also help.
6. Attend the meeting
If the proclamation is going to be considered at a selectboard or council meeting, it is wise to attend. In some towns, a brief public comment or simple show of support can help move the request along.
A Vermont example
West Windsor has already adopted a proclamation in support of International Dark Sky Week. We are grateful for that example and hope other Vermont communities will consider doing the same.
Let us know how it goes
If you ask your town to adopt a proclamation, or if your community issues one, please let us know.
We would be glad to:
- keep track of participating Vermont communities
- highlight communities that take part
- share examples that may help others
- support local advocates working on similar requests
Please contact us at [email protected] if your town adopts a proclamation, is considering one, or if you would like help making the request.