When the Ellensburg City Council proclaimed November 19, 2022 as International Men’s Day, they became the first government entity in Washington state history to formally commemorate this day.
International Men’s Day is a day to celebrate men’s positive contributions to their families and communities and to bring attention to social problems disproportionately impacting men.
The video below shows Delano Palmer, an Ellensburg resident and employee of Central Washington University, reading the proclamation as a guest at the city council meeting on November 7, 2022.
Proclamation narrowly passes by 4-3 vote
Under Ellensburg City Council procedures, the mayor — who is one of the seven council members — cannot sign a proclamation, thereby making it official, without a majority of the council members voting in favor.
As seen in the video above, after Delano Palmer read the proclamation, Councilmember Adam Winn, the proclamation’s sponsor, motioned for the mayor to sign it. Four council members voted “Aye”: Nancy Lillquist (the mayor, pictured above), Rich Elliott, David Miller, and Adam Winn. Three council members voted “Abstain”: Sarah Beauchamp, Nancy Goodloe, and Monica Miller.
It is not known why three council members voted to abstain. It is rare for proclamations by city councils to pass with less than unanimous support.
Is showing concern for men problematic?
Some people react defensively to the assertion that “striving toward gender equity includes concern for all gender-based disparities, including those impacting men” (an excerpt from the proclamation). Openly acknowledging that men are the majority of people suffering from certain social problems can cause discomfort. This discomfort — perhaps driven by a fear that talking about men’s problems threatens the well-being or equal treatment of women — can compel some to oppose benign measures like an International Men’s Day proclamation.
We believe Washington can become a place where calling attention to men’s problems — and even men’s virtues — is not perceived as threatening.
“…Whereas, the City of Ellensburg recognizes and honors all men who contribute to the strength, vibrancy, and leadership of our City as we strive to be a place where each person can reach their full potential. Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Ellensburg does hereby proclaim November 19, 2022 as International Men’s Day in Ellensburg and encourages all community members to join in this observance.”
-International Men’s Day proclamation, Ellensburg City Council, 11/7/2022
