HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

By Melissa Waldie-January 6, 2025

A resolution addresses a current specific problem or opportunity.  It should include a call for specific action aimed at identifiable public officials.

The resolution’s message should be consistent with the organization’s platform, or at least not inconsistent with it.  Implementing or applying the platform is fine but remember that a resolution must amount to more than a statement of a platform provision.

·       Be selective, factual and clear.  Keep the one-page limit in mind and include only on point facts that will lead your audience to your desired conclusion.

·       Do not include purported factual assertions that seem exaggerated or are readily questionable; these will suggest that your conclusions may be unsoundly based and thereby give the decision-makers an excuse to ignore your call to action.

·       Fact-check all assertions in your “Whereas” clauses.  Be clear throughout and avoid ambiguity; use correction punctuation and overt or implicit sub-paragraphing (i.e., (a), (b), etc.                    

                  SAMPLE RESOLUTION – PREFERRED 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FORMATTING

                  ***The sample provided is not in its entirety but illustrates the above

                         recommendations.

1.     Resolutions should be submitted in MS Word.doc (not.docx) format.

2.     Do not use line numbers.

3.     “Whereas” and therefore be it resolved” should be in lower case and boldface.

4.     In the case of multiple “Whereas” clauses, end all with; and,

5.     Indent sub-paragraphs.         

                This sample illustrates good form.

                “Constitutional Rights for People, not Corporations”

·       It has a short, directly pointed title

·       It relies on undisputed facts.

·       It demonstrates its consistency with the operative platform

·       Calls for specific action and accountability

Constitutional Rights for People, not Corporations

Whereas, the U.S. Constitution, as amended, prescribes rights and freedoms accorded to people but makes no mention of corporations; and,

Whereas corporations are neither born nor naturalized in the United States and therefore are not entitled to the privileges or immunities accorded to U.S. citizens, and in many cases are owned in whole of part by foreign interests that are not entitled to influence U.S. elections; and,

                         (This resolution continues but next is the ending…)

Therefore, be it resolved, that we call upon our representatives in the U.S. Congress that the use of money to influence elections shall not be considered a protected form of speech; and,    

 Be it further resolved that our Senators and Congressmembers be queried …….

Reference:  American Bar Association