1. WRITING AND UNDERSTANDING A LOCAL CHAPTER RESOLUTION Presented by: Walter Hudson, Senior Planner LOCAL GOVERNANCE SUPPORT CENTER Fort Defiance Agency March 26 2009 “Essential Tools to Enhance Leadership Skills” Chapter Officials Training At Best Western Inn and Suites Gallup, New Mexico

2. I. 26 N.N.C., SECTION 02: DEFINITIONS 14. “Chapter resolution” means the document recording the official action taken by the Chapter membership at a duly call Chapter meeting. II. A Chapter Resolution Format Typically Used: A.Heading: Resolution of Twin Lakes Chapter. B.Title of Resolution: This section should describe what the topic is, who and what is involved. It should begin with a verb expressing action: such as Approving, Opposing, Directing, Recommending, etc. EXAMPLE: “Approving the Twin Lakes Chapters’ Five Management System Policies and Procedures Manual.”

3. C.WHEREAS: Defined as “it being the fact that.” Who are you? By what authority are you speaking from? As a Chapter government, you may cite one of the following or both. EXAMPLE: 1.Twin Lakes Chapter is a certified unit of local government and political subdivision of the Navajo Nation having met all of the requirements at 26 N.N.C., Section 03; and codified at 11 N.N.C., Part 1, Section 10; and 2.Pursuant to 26 N.N.C., (B)(1) the Navajo Nation Council delegates to Chapter governmental authority with respect to local matters consistent with Navajo law, including custom and tradition; and

4.  The remainder of the WHEREAS section are Statement of facts and supporting statements using data and other information relevant to justifying the resolution’s intent and purposes. EXAMPLE: 1.Pursuant to 26 N.N.C., Section 101 (A): “To ensure accountability, all chapters are required to adopt and operate under a Five Management System consistent with applicable Navajo Nation law”, and 2.26 N.N.C., Section 1004(A) further states: “The Chapter shall enact, by resolution, plans of operation for all executive functions and administrative policies of the Chapter, including but not limited to: record-keeping, accounting, personnel, payroll, property management, contracting procurement and program management; and 3.Twin Lakes Chapter membership have actively participated in the development of the Five Management System through three (3) public hearings and various work sessions throughout the year; and 4.The adoption of the Five Management System Policies and Procedures Manual will improve community decision making in the long run and the Twin Lakes Chapter will be compelled to govern with responsibility and accountability to the local citizens.

5. D.NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Defined as “Now for that reason this is what we’re going to do.” EXAMPLE: 1.Twin Lake Chapter hereby adopts the Five Management System Policies and Procedures Manual. OR a Chapter can add this: 2.Further Be It Resolved That: Twin Lakes Chapter hereby directs the Chapter Officials to effectuate the intent and purpose of this resolution with the Chapter administration immediately.

6. E.CERTIFICATION: Defined as “A certified statement” that indicates and verifies the issue of the resolution has been brought before an assembly where a quorum was present to either approve oppose by vote. The presiding chair will attest to the resolution by signing his/her name. EXAMPLE: I hereby certify the foregoing resolution was duly considered by the Twin Lakes Chapter at a duly called meeting at Twin Lakes Chapter, New Mexico, at which a quorum was present and that same was passed by a vote of ______ in favor, _____ opposed and _____ abstained on this _____ day of _______ 2009. Motion by: __________Seconded: _________ _________________________ Presiding Chair

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