Request to Display a Cultural Flag

The City of Worcester is a diverse community with residents of different cultural backgrounds from around the world. As such, we recognize that the raising and displaying of cultural flags enhances public awareness of this fact and expresses respect to all members of our community.

The City of Worcester wishes to ensure that the displaying of cultural flags is exercised in a consistent and appropriate manner. Therefore, consideration for approval will be on a first come first served basis. The City of Worcester Human Rights Policy will guide decision making for granting the display of cultural flags.

Flags are typically raised for a one‐day period (this is generally defined as a business day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). To ensure an equitable process, flags are limited to being raised once per calendar year.

All individuals who have an approved flag raising must bring their flags to City Hall two days prior to the flag raising day/date and pick them up two days after the flag has flown. Flags should be brought to City Hall and submitted to municipal staff at the Visitor/Information booth on the first floor during normal City Hall operating hours. After the flag has flown, it should be picked up from the Visitor/Information booth. The municipality will not retain flags for any reason and does not supply flags for future or other uses.

This policy applies to flags displayed at City Hall.

Procedure

1. Requests to display a cultural flag must be submitted using the online form. However, if you need an accommodation, you may request one from the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EODEI) by contacting them directly. In some circumstances, requests to Display a Cultural Flag at City Hall will be accepted with prior approval from EODEI via Email, Fax or US Mail.
2. Requests to display cultural flags must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of the date it is to be raised and not greater than one year prior; all requests must be for Monday through Friday (weekend days and holidays if available require an approximate $300 fee paid in advance and are for a single day only); must not already be reserved.
3. Please provide information regarding the reason for your request (i.e. Nation's Independence Day, upcoming cultural festival, etc.).
4. All flags temporarily displayed will:
   • Be in good condition and free of tears and/or tattered edges
   • Be supplied by and be the responsibility of the applicant
   • Be on display in front of City Hall, 455 Main Street.

Flag Specifications

The flag measurements are minimum of 4' x 6' and maximum of 5' x 8', standard outdoor flag (ie: waterproof and heavy duty) and should have 3 metal grommets.