How to Write A Resolution

In a democratic organization that uses parliamentary procedure, such as Robert’s Rules, resolutions are the basic piece of political discussion and debate. Resolutions can take a number of forms. They may direct the chapter to offer support or solidarity with a particular issue or other group, or they may direct the chapter to take a specific action. Resolutions can also be made to identify priorities within the chapter.

Resolutions generally have two sections. The “whereas” section should explain the rationale behind a resolution. They should clearly identify a problem, the impacts of it, and the defficiencies of current actions around it, if applicable. The “resolved” section should indicate the actions that will be taken and should flow from the “whereas” section as clearly as possible.

Here is a sample wheras section from a recent New Orleans DSA resolution.

This section does a good job indicating 1) the scope of the resolution 2) some reasons to create a process around this issue 3) some considerations about how this process should look in the future 4) a clarification of a political stance.

Here is a sample of the “resolved” section of the same resolution.

This resolution 1) calls for the formation of a body within the chapter 2) indicates the political scope of this body 3) indicates who will compose this body.

Resolutions that call for specific actions to be taken by the chapter should ideally indicate which existing body will coordinate the organizing of such actions or create a body to do so. Resolutions should be written as clearly and succinctly as possible, not trying to spell out too much, but not creating a broad mandate that will be difficult to carry out.

Resolutions Process

Political resolutions must be approved by the General Membership (GM) in either a General Meeting, Special Meeting, or Local Convention. Resolutions can be written, submitted, and motivated by any member in good standing.

It is highly recommended that resolutions to be considered for a General Meeting are presented to Local Council (LC). This can be done either in person at a bi-weekly LC meeting, or by email to hello@dsaneworleans.org. Ideally, this should happen at least two weeks prior to a GM, but more time may help a resolution to be better shaped by more input.

 This is not a requirement for resolutions to be brought to the floor of a GM, but it will help in the process of shaping a resolution and providing sufficient input, and support for it, as LC will likely in coordination with committees, caucuses, and working groups be charged to carry out parts of the resolution. Resolutions can also be brought to a GM from the floor, meaning not on the agenda.