National Handwriting Day Receives Congressional Recognition

ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of the 41^st anniversary of National Handwriting Day, the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA), announces its endorsement of a bi-partisan congressional resolution introduced by Congressman Paul Tonko (New York 20^th Congressional District) and Congressman Leonard Lance (New Jersey 7^th Congressional District). The resolution expresses support for the designation of January 23^rd as National Handwriting Day; it also recognizes the importance of handwriting for cognitive, artistic and educational benefits. 

Congressman Tonko will visit Nicole Grosso's second-grade class at Rosendale Elementary School in Niskayuna, New York on National Handwriting Day, January 23^rd 2018 at 1 p.m. to introduce the congressional resolution designating the day.  The congressman will discuss with the students the importance of handwriting and his personal commitment to handwriting. 

The congressional resolution, H.Res.654, in addition to expressing support for designation of National Handwriting Day also acknowledges John Hancock, whose birthday is on January 23^rd. His was the first signature on the Declaration of Independence, and Hancock contributed to the overall significance of handwriting. The resolution also emphasizes the educational benefits of handwriting for children, as well as the cognitive development and motor skills benefit.  To view the complete resolution, go to https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hres654.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate National Handwriting Day than a visit with Ms. Grosso's second grade class at Rosendale Elementary School. Handwriting is a disappearing art that is worth preserving, especially for young students. A handwritten letter not only delivers emotion, connection and creativity in ways that an email or text message simply cannot, it also exercises cognitive and fine motor skills for the writer. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution marking National Handwriting Day with Rep. Leonard Lance and am grateful for our mutual commitment to this effort. Thank you to WIMA for highlighting the significance and power of handwriting and for their support of our Congressional resolution," stated Congressman Paul Tonko.

Established in 1977, National Handwriting Day encourages the acknowledgement of the history and importance of penmanship.  WIMA suggests honoring the day by picking up a writing instrument today.

1. Craft a note. A handwritten note can make a huge impact on someone's day – from a quick thank you to a post-it, bring a smile to someone today with a genuine thought on paper.    
2. Draft a letter.  Letter writing has fallen off with the invention of email. A handwritten letter has much more emotion and can more effectively communicate one's feelings.
3. Transcribe your thoughts. Take a moment to jot down your thoughts today in writing and you may surprise yourself, it may even help you work through an inner conflict.
4. Practice your signature.  Channel your inner John Hancock and practice your signature, there is still a place to sign on the dotted line.
5. Create art. Handwriting extends to art, so whether it's a crayon, colored pencil or marker, draw something that makes you smile.

For additional information on National Handwriting Day visit http://www.pencilsandpens.org/national_handwriting_day and https://www.facebook.com/WritingInstrumentManufacturersAssociation/.

SOURCE Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association

Related Links

http://www.pencilsandpens.org/national_handwriting_day