Coronavirus Update #3
Updated May 13, 2020
We are approaching two months of Stay Home Stay Safe orders, and our state leaders are exploring how communities can begin to safely resume some activity. It is likely that we’ll be socially distancing for quite some time – maybe even a year or two. With this in mind, the Justice of the Peace Association is focusing on marriage officiant guidance that is safe and sustainable.
Our strategy is two-fold. We’re advocating with state governments to identify and implement policies that facilitate marriages during the pandemic. And, in conjunction with federal agencies, we are developing safety protocols for all marriage officiants to follow.
Municipal and State Operations
In order for marriage ceremonies to happen during COVID, municipal offices need to maintain operations: receiving intentions/applications and issuing licenses, and then processing the completed documentation. While many wedding celebrations must be postponed, steps need to be taken to facilitate essential marriages now. Consequently, JPus is advocating to state leaders in the executive and legislative branches to improve protocols and communication.
We maintain that professional officiants can be trusted to act responsibly and follow the CDC’s and local/state government’s guidance. Similarly, we are differentiating ourselves from amateur officiants who don’t have the professional training and mindset that sets us apart. Please do your part by fully complying with CDC recommendations while performing essential marriages.
Mitigating Risk
Members of the Justice of the Peace Association agree to abide by our Code of Ethics. This includes acting in the best interest of clients, and in a manner that reflects favorably on themselves, their office and the Justice of the Peace Association. Medical professionals have advised that we can carry COVID with no symptoms, which means that when out in public, we should assume we have it, and assume everyone else has it, too. We need to conduct ourselves accordingly.
JPus is coordinating with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to develop a COVID certification for marriage officiants. This would have two purposes:
★ Safety: Providing the steps for officiants to mitigate risk when performing a marriage ceremony.
★ Assurance: So clients know that the officiant has completed appropriate training, to keep all parties safe
It is important that JPs (and notaries in Maine and Florida) follow the guidance provided when performing marriages. Otherwise, our efforts to represent members is undermined, and our argument that some rules should be loosened because professionals can be trusted is called into question.
Related Links
★ JPus’ COVID-19 pages, regularly updated with resources and support for marriage officiants
★ Be a part of the coronavirus-management conversation with fellow officiants in JPus’ members-only Facebook group
★ Face masks for the officiant and marriage couple. Made by JPus’ seamstress in quality satin fabrics
★ Follow JPus’ Facebook page for coronavirus news and updates
Coronavirus Update #2
As we enter the third week of distancing ourselves from each other, it is becoming clearer that we’re in this for the long haul. There will not be a quick fix, and how we navigate our new normal will affect our own personal health and safety, as well as that of our loved ones and community.
This pandemic is testing our resolve, and that of our communities. Marriage officiants must confront this reality and consider multiple factors.
Physical safety and community health
Whether it is our own personal health, or that of our loved ones, safety must come first. Similarly, recognizing our personal responsibility to limit the spread of this deadly virus is critical. Content on our COVID-19 resources page is continuously being updated and has links to reputable sources with information.
Performing marriages
We recognize that some marriages are essential. Accessing health insurance coverage is a benefit that for many can only be secured through marriage. This need will only increase as millions lose their job because of this crisis. Military deployments and legal rights that come through marriage are other reasons. Our lives feel uncertain, and the pandemic is forcing people to confront their mortality. Marrying one’s love can give a huge sense of comfort and alleviate anxiety about the future.
For marriages to take place during Stay Home orders, there must be an acknowledgement and coordination between state and municipal governments, and officiants who are able and willing to perform them. See JPus’ article about closed town buildings that has state-by-state information. We also have 5 Things to Do if performing weddings during this time. Not to be repetitive, but the COVID-19 page is the centralized hub for up-to-date information.
You may also choose to let your couples know about findaJP’s new COVID-19 page which has resources specifically for them.
Staying Connected
I’ve been reading about different ways to think about social distancing. A better term is physical distancing, because that is what we all must do. Nonetheless, maintaining our social connections is imperative, for our own well-being, and to help us navigate these challenging circumstances. This Friday, April 3rd, JPus is hosting our first members-only Zoom happy hour! It will be held from 6:00-7:00 EST. We’ll start with Q&A, so you can ask questions of the JPus team and fellow officiants, and of course networking too. Details and login information are available on this page. Please note that because it is for members only, you must be logged into JPus to access the information on the page.
Please know that JPus continues our work to support you during these unprecedented times.
Be well and safe,
Loretta Jay
JPus Managing Member
Related Links
★ JPus’ COVID-19 pages, regularly updated with resources and support for marriage officiants
★ Be a part of the coronavirus-management conversation with fellow officiants in JPus’ members-only Facebook group
★ Face masks for the officiant and marriage couple. Made by JPus’ seamstress in quality satin fabrics
★ Follow JPus’ Facebook page for coronavirus news and updates
Coronavirus Update #1
Rapidly Changing Situation
Updated 3/31/2020
We are facing unprecedented times. The collective good of our community, and our country, depends on the actions of the individual. We must Flatten The Curve. At this critical juncture, our movement – or lack of movement will determine how the coronavirus spreads. The gravity of the situation is clear. Governors are taking drastic measures, ordering the closure of municipal offices and dining-in establishments. Some wedding venues have taken the initiative to reschedule bookings.
JPus’ previous member support article is already outdated. It was written with the expectation that we would be able to continue to perform weddings, albeit on a smaller scale. We now must look beyond our own desires, or those of our couples, and think about the common good.
For now, we at the Justice of the Peace Association encourage all officiants to work with their couples to reschedule ceremonies. Even our previously suggested social distancing options seem unwise.
If a couple is determined to move forward, and the officiant is willing, consider an outdoor spot, with just the couple and officiant. Perhaps a fourth person to video or livestream the event. Of course, everyone should be healthy, and all parties should follow the CDC guidelines, including maintaining the six-foot rule (except for the couple).
We hope that these extreme measures will be short-lived. But until this crisis is under control, let’s err on the side of caution and defer to the experts. We should all heed the health policy leaders’ advice and stay home.
Be well and safe,
Loretta Jay
Managing Member
Related Links
★ More officiant related support on JPus’ coronavirus landing page
★ Be a part of the coronavirus-management conversation with fellow officiants in JPus’ members-only Facebook group
★ Virtual happy hour, Friday, April 3, 2020 at 6:00pm EST. Members only Zoom networking and Q&A
★ Follow JPus’ Facebook page for related news and updates
Webinar for Officiants
Spotting Signs of Forced & Child Marriage & Human Trafficking – The Role of Marriage Officiants in the United States
Webinar: April 7, 2020, 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST
The first-of-its-kind training for officiants to recognize marriages where there are victims. Marriage officiants are on the front lines of child marriage, forced marriage and human trafficking. Learn the signs, and know what to do if encountered. Learn more and register for our webinar.
NH lay officiant bill fiscally flawed
Ways and Means Committee Hearing
JPus continued its opposition New Hampshire’s House Bill 1599, which would permit special marriage officiants. The House Ways and Means Committee will consider testimony on the bill on March 4, 2020. As a result, JPus presented testimony to all members of the Committee. Read more.