How To Draw Up A Resolution

Ever feel like you have a great idea for change, but don't know how to make it a reality within a group or organization? Many impactful decisions, from local school boards to international governing bodies, are shaped by resolutions. These formal proposals, when crafted effectively, can be powerful tools for initiating discussion, prompting action, and ultimately driving positive change. Understanding how to construct a well-written resolution is a vital skill for anyone who wants to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes and advocate for issues they care about.

A clear and concise resolution not only ensures that your proposal is understood but also increases the likelihood of it being adopted. A poorly written resolution can be easily misinterpreted, leading to confusion, debate, and potential rejection. By mastering the art of resolution writing, you can articulate your ideas persuasively, garner support from others, and actively contribute to shaping the future of your community, organization, or even the world.

What are the essential elements of a strong resolution and how do I write one?

What key elements must a resolution include?

A resolution must contain a clear statement of the problem or issue being addressed, a declaration of purpose outlining the desired outcome, operative clauses detailing specific actions to be taken, and often, preambulatory clauses providing context and justification.

A well-structured resolution begins by identifying the problem. This section, often found in the preambulatory clauses (phrases beginning with words like "Recognizing," "Concerned," or "Aware"), sets the stage and explains why the resolution is necessary. These clauses provide context, citing relevant facts, previous resolutions, or established principles that support the resolution's arguments. They essentially build the rationale for the actions that will follow. The operative clauses, which are the core of the resolution, clearly state the actions that the body is expected to take. These clauses use strong, decisive language (verbs like "Resolves," "Requests," "Urges," or "Directs") to define the specific steps that should be implemented. Each operative clause should be actionable and measurable to allow for effective implementation and evaluation. Furthermore, the resolution should also explicitly state who is responsible for carrying out each action and, if applicable, a timeline for completion. Clear delegation of responsibility is crucial for ensuring accountability and achieving the desired outcomes.

How do I research and gather supporting evidence for your resolution?

Thoroughly researching and gathering supporting evidence for your resolution involves identifying the core issue, conducting targeted research using credible sources, critically evaluating the information you find, and synthesizing it into compelling arguments that bolster your proposed solution. This process ensures your resolution is well-informed, persuasive, and grounded in verifiable facts and expert opinions.

The research process should begin by clearly defining the problem your resolution aims to address. What are the specific issues? Who is affected? What are the current consequences? Once you have a solid understanding of the problem, identify keywords and concepts relevant to your topic. Use these keywords to search for information from reputable sources such as academic journals, government reports, think tank publications, and credible news organizations. Remember to critically evaluate the sources you find. Consider the author's credentials, the publication's reputation, and potential biases. Cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid relying solely on any single perspective. Effective supporting evidence can take several forms. Statistics and data can illustrate the scope of the problem and demonstrate the need for action. Expert opinions and testimonies can lend credibility to your arguments. Case studies and real-world examples can show how similar solutions have been implemented successfully elsewhere. Legal precedents and policy analysis can provide a framework for your proposed solution and address potential challenges. Organize your research findings in a structured manner, noting the source of each piece of evidence and how it supports your overall argument. This will streamline the writing process and ensure that your resolution is well-supported and persuasive. Finally, always remember to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

What's the best way to structure the "resolved" clauses?

The "resolved" clauses should be structured as clear, actionable directives, each starting with "Resolved, that this [body/organization]..." followed by a specific action verb and a concise description of what should be done. Each "resolved" clause should address a distinct aspect of the problem outlined in the "whereas" clauses, and be written in a way that is measurable and achievable.

Think of the "resolved" clauses as a series of concrete steps designed to address the issues presented earlier. Use strong action verbs like "urge," "support," "establish," "allocate," "encourage," or "request" to indicate the desired action. Avoid vague or ambiguous language, ensuring that each clause specifies exactly who is responsible for carrying out the action and, if possible, within what timeframe. A well-structured resolution has "resolved" clauses that work together synergistically to create a comprehensive solution.

Furthermore, prioritize the "resolved" clauses logically. Place the most impactful or fundamental actions at the beginning, building a foundation for subsequent clauses. This allows for a natural flow and ensures that the resolution's core objectives are immediately apparent. Each "resolved" clause should be numbered or bulleted for easy reference during discussion and voting. Consistent formatting enhances clarity and professionalism.

How can I ensure my resolution is specific and actionable?

To ensure your resolution is specific and actionable, focus on the "who, what, when, where, and how" of the problem and proposed solution. Avoid vague language and general statements. Instead, clearly define the exact issue you aim to address, the precise steps that will be taken to resolve it, the responsible parties, the timeline for implementation, and the measurable outcomes that will indicate success.

Specificity is key to a successful resolution. For example, instead of resolving to "improve customer service," resolve to "reduce customer complaint response time to under 24 hours for all email inquiries by implementing a new ticketing system and training all customer service representatives on its use by the end of Q3." This detailed statement outlines the specific problem (slow response time), the specific action to be taken (implementing a new system and training), the specific parties responsible (customer service representatives), and the specific timeframe and measurable outcome (under 24 hours by the end of Q3).

Actionability hinges on the feasibility and clarity of the proposed steps. Break down the resolution into smaller, manageable tasks with assigned responsibilities and deadlines. Ensure resources are allocated appropriately and that all stakeholders understand their roles. Regularly monitor progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the resolution remains on track. A resolution that clearly defines the "how" makes it much easier to execute and achieve the desired outcome.

Here are some things to consider when crafting your resolution:

How do I address potential counter-arguments in my resolution?

Addressing potential counter-arguments in your resolution strengthens its credibility and persuasiveness by demonstrating that you've considered opposing viewpoints and have reasoned responses. You can achieve this by acknowledging common objections within the resolution's preambulatory or operative clauses, then directly refuting them with evidence-based reasoning or by proposing mitigating solutions. This proactively defuses criticism and portrays your position as well-considered and robust.

Expanding on this, there are several effective ways to integrate counter-arguments into your resolution. One approach is to include "Recognizing concerns that..." or "Acknowledging that..." clauses in the preamble to signal you are aware of opposing viewpoints. Subsequently, you can use "Affirming, however, that..." or "Emphasizing that..." to present your rebuttal, offering supporting evidence or logical reasoning to undermine the counter-argument. For instance, if your resolution advocates for a new policy, you might acknowledge concerns about potential costs but then emphasize the long-term economic benefits or cost-saving measures included in your proposal. Another strategy is to directly address potential negative consequences within the operative clauses. For example, if a clause calls for stricter regulations, you could add a sub-clause that mandates regular reviews and adjustments to minimize unintended negative impacts. This demonstrates foresight and a commitment to refining the resolution based on its real-world effects. By proactively addressing potential drawbacks, you build trust and show that you are not dismissing opposing views out of hand, but rather have carefully considered and accounted for them. This significantly bolsters the overall strength and acceptance of your resolution.

What are some tips for making my resolution persuasive?

To make your resolution persuasive, ensure it is well-researched, clearly written, and logically structured, presenting a compelling case backed by evidence and addressing potential counterarguments, while also offering practical and achievable solutions.

To elaborate, a persuasive resolution must be built on a foundation of solid research. Thoroughly investigate the issue you're addressing, gather credible evidence from reliable sources, and understand the various perspectives involved. This allows you to present a well-informed argument that anticipates and refutes opposing viewpoints. Clearly articulate the problem your resolution aims to solve, using specific examples and statistics to illustrate its significance and impact. Avoid vague language or unsubstantiated claims, which can weaken your credibility.

Furthermore, focus on proposing feasible and actionable solutions. A resolution that outlines ambitious goals without offering realistic steps for implementation is unlikely to gain support. Consider the resources required, potential obstacles, and the timeline for achieving the desired outcomes. Present your solutions in a clear and logical manner, explaining how they will effectively address the problem and benefit the target audience. Building consensus often requires compromise. Be prepared to adjust your resolution based on feedback and suggestions from others, while staying true to your core objectives.

Finally, consider these points:

How do I format a resolution for a specific organization or body?

Formatting a resolution involves adhering to the specific rules and guidelines of the organization or body it's intended for. This generally includes a structured format with sections like a title, preambulatory clauses (recalling relevant background information), operative clauses (stating the actions to be taken), and sometimes signatory information. Always consult the organization's rules of procedure or relevant documentation for specific requirements, as deviations can lead to the resolution being rejected or deemed out of order.

The typical structure starts with a clear and concise title that reflects the resolution's subject. Preambulatory clauses, often beginning with phrases like "Recognizing," "Affirming," or "Aware of," provide the rationale and context for the resolution. These clauses cite previous resolutions, reports, or relevant facts that support the proposed actions. Each clause should be a separate paragraph and end with a comma.

The operative clauses are the core of the resolution, outlining the specific actions the organization is expected to take. These clauses usually begin with action verbs like "Resolves," "Urges," "Requests," or "Directs." Each operative clause should be numbered and end with a semicolon, except for the final clause, which ends with a period. Ensure that each clause is clear, actionable, and within the organization's mandate. For complex issues, it’s advisable to break down the resolution into smaller, more manageable clauses.

Finally, after drafting, have it reviewed. Many organizations require a specific number of sponsors or co-sponsors for a resolution to be formally considered. It is helpful to gather input from others who understand the organizations' procedures and processes, such as past members of the body for which the resolution is being presented.

And there you have it! Hopefully, you now feel ready to tackle writing your own resolution. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and refine your approach. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon for more helpful guides and tips!