1. Diocesan Convention Resolution Writing How to speak up and make change happen in our church
Facilitated by:
Ms. Brenda Hamilton
Ms. Marge Kilkelly
The Rev. Calvin Sanborn

2. AGENDA Opening Prayer Intros Polity Review of The Episcopal Church
Expectations
Basics (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
How to Write a Resolution
Theological, Biblical, Historical Grounding Language
Overcoming Objections
Amendments
Tips to Get Started
How to Debate Resolutions
Next Steps

3. Polity Review of the Episcopal Church
Constitution and Canons
General Convention (Deputies & Bishops)
Executive Council
Glossary of Terms
The Diocesan Structure (Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Trustees, Staff)
Bishop’s Ecclesiastical Authority
Maine Episcopal Network for Justice

4. Basics of Diocesan Convention Resolutions
Two Kinds of Resolutions: 
General Business - procedural
Mission - Ministry - Policy
Resolutions can be developed by anyone, but must be brought to DioCon by delegate(s) 
Preferable to have more than one sponsor or congregation/entity…. shows support
What does it mean for a resolution to be “in good order”?
Review by Resolutions Committee and possibly Chancellor
If there are budgetary implications, address that in your resolution
If you are referencing a specific outside document, make that info available for delegates to read.  
You can’t ask them to endorse something they haven’t read

5. Participant Expectations
Learn how to write an effective convention resolution
Answer questions when they come up
Recording for future reference
Engage the audience

6. How to Write a Resolution
RESOLVED that…
WHAT will be done?
By WHOM?
With what RESOURCES?
HOW?
By WHEN?
Will be OVERSEEN BY or REPORTED TO  whom?
WHY – belongs in the EXPLANATION.

7. How to Write a Resolution
C037Call to Respond to Opioid Epidemic
Resolution originated in the Diocese of Maine in 2017/18
Presented to Province I Synod (April 18) and endorsed by all
Submitted to wider church selectively in May and June to build support
Voted unanimously in committee
Voted unanimously without debate at GC (July 2018)
Resolution language here

8. Theological, Biblical, Historical Grounding
Why is this relevant to people of faith?
Lean on your own capacity to be a theologian
Ask for support from clergy and diocesan leaders
Access church-wide resources
Virtual Binder
Digital Archive of The Episcopal Church
General Convention

9. RESOLUTIONS: BEST idea ever will generate objections
Begin by identifying supporters and opponents- while you DRAFT
Understand the objections
Incorporate changes in your resolution – as you can
Be prepared to respond to the objections and suggestions you could not use
Thank those that offered perfecting language that was incorporated

10. Floor Amendments
Approved draft resolutions can be are modified through amendments which adds, deletes or changes an operative clause.
The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution.
Friendly / Unfriendly amendments

11. Tips to Get Started
The Summary of Actions of the 79th General Convention.
200th Convention of the Diocese of Maine
Office of Government Relations
Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Maine

12. Debate- Jefferson Manual of Parliamentary Practice
17.9 No one is to speak impertinently, or beside the question, superfluously or tediously
17.11 The consequences of a measure MAY be reprobated in strong terms; but to arraign the motives of those who propose or advocate it, is a personality and against order.
Facts, just the facts, clearly and concisely

13. How to Debate Resolutions or Amendments
State whether you are in favor or against
Be brief, remember Jefferson admonished us not to be tedious!
Coordinate others to speak in support of your position
Encourage the convention to vote in favor or opposition

14. Next Steps
What is one area of concern, problem or issue that is important to you?
Who is an allied partner in this work?
Send draft resolutions to John Hennessy by 8/26 who will forward them to our presenters tonight for feedback and technical assistance.
Open discussion