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?

library@legion.org