CC 2023-11-28 6.a. Honorary Proclamation_Pace and Nonviolence MonthOF
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HONORARY PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING
DECEMBER 2023 AS
PEACE AND NONVIOLENCE MONTH
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the City to make Arroyo Grande the best place possible for everyone who
lives, works, and visits; and
WHEREAS, the Arroyo Grande community calls for local civic action to stop hate and biases that pose a
threat to the safety of our people and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, discrimination causes disparate and unequal outcomes in housing, education, employment,
criminal justice, health, and leads to economic hardships; and racism, bias, and hate has no place in our
society or in our community. We must protect the constitutional rights of everyone in our community and
foster a community that is welcoming to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual
orientation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande is dedicated to preventing and opposing hate and intolerance in
our communities; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that a resolution or a single action, in and of itself, will not change a community
but rather that we are all responsible, both individually and collectively, for creating and fostering an anti-
racist and unbiased community in our words and actions, and that we must actively acknowledge and
stand-up against bias and discrimination of any kind; and
WHEREAS, education, compassion, and cooperation are key to understanding and embracing
differences between people; and
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, the Arroyo Grande Council adopted a resolution adopting a Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion and Justice Policy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande seeks to address systemic racism and inequality through our
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Policy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice,
in all facets of society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande believes diversity strengthens the community and will continue to
stand firmly against hate and biases wherever it may be.
WHEREAS, a proclamation that the month of December be designated for promotion of these central
goals of peace, nonviolence, and anti-racism will bring awareness and support the City's commitment to
diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, in all facets of society and government; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
of the City of Arroyo Grande, do hereby proclaim December 2023
as Peace & Nonviolence Month.
CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
Item 6.a.