Mercer Island City Council issues an average of 14 proclamations yearly that spotlight and support myriad vital causes or occasions and have a profound effect on citizens both locally and beyond the Island.

According to Mayor Salim Nice, the announcements “represent our shared values as a community and show our collective support.”

At its most recent meeting on April 4, council approved a pair of proclamations to designate April as Autism Acceptance Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month on the Island.

The former document notes, in part, that one in 44 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which totals more than seven million young people and adults. “Together, we can spread awareness, foster acceptance, and empower everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully,” the proclamation reads.

It is noted in the latter document that 45% of women and 22% of men in Washington state have reported experiencing sexual violence during their lives. The document adds: “As we work towards a future without sexual violence, we all must respond to the needs of those most impacted by systemic oppression.”

Other council-approved proclamations this year were Rare Disease Day and Vietnam Veterans Day, and last year’s recognitions included Parks and Recreation Month, Mercer Island No Islander Goes Hungry (MI NIGH) Day, Peace Day on Mercer Island and Domestic Violence Action Month.

In the past few years, council issued proclamations rejecting antisemitism, and standing for diversity, equity and inclusion amid protests over the death of George Floyd.

“We urge all our members and residents of our community to treat each other with respect and to stand up and work together to overcome all expressions of hate and bigotry,” former mayor Benson Wong said regarding the first document.

According to the city’s proclamation guidelines, the announcements deliver positive messages or call upon community support.

“Many proclamations are annual traditions of the council, but can also be suggested by individual councilmembers, the public or by city staff. They provide an avenue for council to express a point of view on behalf of the community and shine a local light on issues facing our community or world,” said Nice, adding that the mayor, deputy mayor, city manager or a staff member can approve proclamation requests.

After suggesting that the city recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 of this year, Bob Harper, who is an Island resident and Vietnam veteran, wound up penning the proclamation himself.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who served in Vietnam, and we recognize the tremendous sacrifices they and their families made on behalf of our country,” reads a portion of the document.