1. The Importance and Creation of Resolutions

2. Overview What is a resolution Why are they important Where do they originate When can they be considered How to write a resolution

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Who Uses Resolutions U.S. Congress United Nations Local town councils Most professional bodies, such as associations, organizations, clubs

7. Resolutions begin at all levels Legionnaire submits resolution to post Post submits to one of the following ○ District ○ County ○ Department Department submits to National National Commissions and Committees

8. 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

9. Importance of Departments Help Posts by offering them advice Write resolutions Must certify any sent to National for action Publicize approved resolutions

10. National Resolutions National Executive Committee No deadline for Departments to send to National Headquarters Cannot change Legion Constitution & Bylaws Approval to spend money or sign contract s

11. National Resolutions National Convention Specific 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

12. Resolution Actions Approved Rejected Referred Received and Recorded Consolidated Held for Study

13. Resolution Writing Factors to consider when writing Is 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?

14. Resolution Writing Factors to consider when writing Is 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?

15. 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

16. Resolution Writing Parts of a Resolution Preamble (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

17. Resolution Writing The Resolve clause Should be written first Identifies resolving authority Circumstances and place of action Date of action of meeting Provides resolution with a clear and unmistakable intent Should stand on its own Final clause ends with the only period (.) in resolution

18. 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

19. Resolution Writing Drafting Resolve clause It 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

20. Resolution Writing Drafting Resolve clause Resolved, 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

21. Resolution Writing Drafting Resolve clause Resolved, 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.

22. 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”

23. Resolution Writing Drafting Preamble Whereas, 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

24. Resolution Writing Checklist: Proofread for grammar and spelling Have people not involved with writing read it Indicate where it originated Keep copies for your own records Follow status at organization’s levels

25. Resolution Writing Documentation Provide supporting materials that contains important information Letters Articles Testimony Videos/DVDs

26. Resolution Writing Tools for research Digests of previous meetings Legion history books Internet Newspapers and magazines Legion publications (Magazine/Dispatch/Web) Annual Legion reports to Congress Digital Archive

27. 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

28. 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

29. What Not To Do Establish a partnership with another organization Support a specific piece of legislation Have the resolve clauses depend upon the preamble

30. Digital Archive Active resolutions Digests of meetings Annual report to Congress Press releases Newsletters, pamphlets and reports archive.legion.org

31. Questions? library@legion.org