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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-05 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a. CITY OF IOWA CITY Z%--_ �=Pa COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 5, 2023 Constitution Week Attachments: Constitution Week proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION 'J Whereas, September 17, 2023 marks the two hundred and thirty-sixth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its creation; and Whereas, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17th through the 23`d as Constitution Week; and Whereas, the Constitution has been amended from time to time to define basic rights, to extend those rights to all persons, and to modify other specific aspects in light of contemporary concerns; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of the Iowa City, Iowa do hereby proclaim the week of September 17-23, 2023, to be Constitution Week in Iowa City and reaffirm the ideals of the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties. Pq _F4 or Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 5t1 day of September 2023 Item Number: 2.b. CITY OF IOWA CITY Z%--_ �=Pa COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 5, 2023 Freedom to Read Month Attachments: Freedom to Read Month proclamation 4L-- City of Iowa City��'S PROCLAMATION Whereas, the freedom of information is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as recognized by resolution 59 of the UN General Assembly adopted in 1946, as well as by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948; and Whereas, the fundamental right of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media or format; and Whereas, the freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy, which allows individuals and groups to enjoy several other human rights and freedoms; and Whereas, libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all; and Whereas, a library card empowers all people to explore new passions and interests and to pursue a path of lifelong learning; and Whereas, libraries contribute to equity providing broad access to expensive resources including subscription -based news, learning, and research databases as well as intemet access; and Whereas, libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of all ages, from storytimes for preschoolers to college and career planning for high schoolers, as well as navigating the complexities of life by providing access to research, information, and government services that allow everyone to lead more productive and fulfilling lives; and Whereas, libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds to learn together and engage with one another across cultural, ethnic, generational, and economic lines, strengthening the social fabric of the communities they serve; and Whereas, libraries provide unaccountable hours of entertainment and recreation which enhance the quality of life to all; and Whereas, libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all; and Whereas, libraries contribute to a strong local economy by providing access to the technology and training that are critical to the success of job -seekers, entrepreneurs, and students; and Whereas, in times of crisis, libraries and library professionals play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; and Whereas, the shared resources libraries offer reduce the number of items households buy and dispose of, providing a simple way to save money, conserve resources, and reduce waste. Now,' therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of the Iowa City, Iowa do hereby proclaim the month of September 2023, to be Freedom to Read Month in Iowa City and encourage everyone to celebrate their intellectual freedom and uphold their Freedom to Read by signing up for their own library caret and visiting the Iowa Cit u 'c Library and I o0 obile frequently. or Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, ' this 5t' day of September 2023. �� — Item Number: 2.c. CITY OF IOWA CITY Z%--_ �=Pa COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 5, 2023 Welcoming Week Attachments: Welcoming Week proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, our community's success depends on making sure that all feel welcome here. Today, new residents and visitors alike are a vital part of our community — bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas, starting businesses, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we all value; and Whereas, this week, we honor the spirit of unity that is bringing neighbors together across Iowa City. During Welcoming Week, I invite all of Iowa City to join this movement of communities nationwide by renewing our commitment to our core American values and by taking action in the spirit of welcoming. By working together, we can achieve greater prosperity and make our community the kind of place where diverse people from around the world feel valued and want to put down roots; and Whereas, regardless of where we are born or what we look like, we are Iowa City, united in our efforts to build a stronger community, recognizing the contributions that we all make to create a vibrant culture and a growing economy, we make our community more prosperous and more inclusive to all who call it home; and Whereas, let us come together to build communities where every resident has the opportunity to contribute at his or her best. Let us come together to create more prosperous communities and to reaffirm that Iowa City still stands as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. Now Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, hereby proclaim September 8- 17, 2023 as Welcoming Week and call upon the people of Iowa City to join together to build stronger communities across our region. Ira or Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 5" day of September 2023,