the importance and creation of resolutions. overview what is a resolution why are they important...
TRANSCRIPT
The Importance and Creation of Resolutions
Overview
What is a resolution Why are they important Where do they originate When can they be considered How to write a resolution
What is a Resolution?
A formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group
The act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones
Importance of Resolutions
“Without the resolution process, our organization would not have guidance in developing programs, allocating funds to help veterans or targeting Congress with issues that affect you, me and the rest of this great country of ours.” ---National Commander Ray G. Smith, April, 2001.
Importance of Resolutions
All policies, positions, and actions of The American Legion are driven by the passage of resolutions
Most important documents after our charter and constitution and by-laws
Who Uses Resolutions
U.S. Congress
United Nations
Local town councils
Most professional bodies, such as associations, organizations, clubs
Resolutions begin at all levels
Legionnaire submits resolution to postPost submits to one of the following
○ District○ County○ Department
Department submits to NationalNational Commissions and Committees
Importance of Departments
Consider resolutions at DEC or Department Convention
Assign to committee for further research and recommendation
Expand intent to state or nation
Edit for clarity
Importance of Departments
Help Posts by offering them advice
Write resolutions
Must certify any sent to National for action
Publicize approved resolutions
National Resolutions
National Executive CommitteeNo deadline for Departments to send to
National Headquarters
Cannot change Legion Constitution & Bylaws
Approval to spend money or sign contracts
National Resolutions
National ConventionSpecific deadlines
○ 20 days for constitutional amendments○ 14 days for all other resolutions
Only meeting that can change Legion constitution
○ Therefore, can change eligibility
Only body that can set dues
Resolution Actions
ApprovedRejectedReferredReceived and RecordedConsolidatedHeld for Study
Resolution Writing
Factors to consider when writingIs the subject matter germane?Does Legion already have a position?Can objective be met via other ways?Is it a local issue only?Can intent be realistically attained?
Resolution Writing
Factors to consider when writingIs it politically sensitive?Written in proper format?Should The American Legion be involved
with the issue?Is specific person, business, organization
harmed?Is it on the proper form?
Resolution Writing
Each resolution should cover one subject Increased Funding for Children’s Miracle
Network Adopt Promotional video from local CMN
hospital One resolution can include multiple steps to
achieve the overall goal
Resolution Writing
Parts of a ResolutionPreamble (the ‘Whereas’ clause)
○ One or more clauses, each being a statement of fact logically related to the intent of the resolution
Resolve Clause○ Defines the solution, policy, or action in very
clear and concise terms
Resolution Writing
The Resolve clauseShould be written firstIdentifies resolving authorityCircumstances and place of actionDate of action of meetingProvides resolution with a clear and
unmistakable intentShould stand on its ownFinal clause ends with the only period (.) in
resolution
Resolution Writing
Drafting Resolve clause“Resolved, By The American Legion in
National Convention assembled in Reno, Nevada, August 28, 29, 30, 2007, That …”
The word “That” immediately following the resolving clause introduces the statement of intent
Resolution Writing
Drafting Resolve clauseIt may be necessary for a number of actions
to take place in order to complete the intent of a resolution
Each action should be written into the resolutions with its own clause
Multiple resolve clauses may be necessary
Resolution Writing
Drafting Resolve clauseResolved, By the National Executive
Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 17-18, 2007, That The American Legion reiterates its longstanding commitment of service to the United States of America by recognizing and promoting the truest … etc. etc.; and, be it finally
Resolution Writing
Drafting Resolve clauseResolved, That The American Legion, through
its Get Out the Vote program, encourage its members, posts, districts and departments to fully involve themselves in the electoral process by serving as poll volunteers, poll workers, by voting and by encouraging and assisting others to register and vote.
Resolution Writing
Drafting Preamble Made up of one of more clauses, each
beginning with “Whereas”
Two or more of these clauses are joined together by a semicolon (;) followed by “and”
Final paragraph ends with a semicolon followed by “now, therefore, be it”
Resolution Writing
Drafting PreambleWhereas, The American Legion, since its
inception, has promoted an active involvement by its members, posts and departments in the electoral process in the United States; and
Whereas, Numerous resolutions through the years have put The American Legion on record encouraging all eligible voters to vote on Election Day; now, therefore, be it
Resolution Writing
Checklist:Proofread for grammar and spellingHave people not involved with writing read itIndicate where it originatedKeep copies for your own recordsFollow status at organization’s levels
Resolution Writing
DocumentationProvide supporting materials that
contains important informationLettersArticlesTestimonyVideos/DVDs
Resolution Writing
Tools for researchDigests of previous meetingsLegion history booksInternetNewspapers and magazinesLegion publications (Magazine/Dispatch/Web)Annual Legion reports to CongressDigital Archive
Resolutions
Legislative resolutions are reiterated every two years for the upcoming Congress
During those years the National Convention and NEC will consider 400-500 resolutions
During non-reiteration years 200-250 resolutions are considered
What Not To Do
Criticize post or department operations Self-promotion of a personal view Attack a person or organization Use as an avenue to ‘climb up the ladder’ Use in place of personal contact to resolve
a minor problem
What Not To Do
Establish a partnership with another organization
Support a specific piece of legislation
Have the resolve clauses depend upon the preamble
Digital Archive
Active resolutions Digests of meetings Annual report to Congress Press releases Newsletters, pamphlets and reports
archive.legion.org
Questions?