Ever sat through a meeting where a critical decision felt vague and directionless? Too often, important ideas get lost in unstructured discussions, leading to confusion and inaction. A well-crafted resolution provides a clear, concise path forward, ensuring everyone understands the proposed action, its justification, and the intended outcome. It's the backbone of effective decision-making in organizations large and small.
Learning to write a resolution isn't just about mastering a specific format; it's about honing your ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and advocate effectively for your ideas. A strong resolution can transform passive agreement into concrete action, empowering individuals and groups to address challenges and achieve shared goals. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to craft resolutions that are clear, impactful, and ready for adoption.
What are the essential steps to writing a winning resolution?
What format should I use when typing a resolution?
When typing a resolution, the most common and effective format involves using specific structural elements like preambulatory clauses ("WHEREAS" clauses) to establish the context and reasoning behind the resolution, followed by operative clauses ("RESOLVED" clauses) which clearly state the actions to be taken. Employing consistent capitalization, indentation, and numbering throughout the document is crucial for readability and a professional presentation.
The preambulatory clauses, starting with "WHEREAS," should detail the background information, relevant facts, and justifications for the resolution. Each "WHEREAS" clause should present a single, distinct reason and end with a semicolon (;). These clauses lay the groundwork and build support for the actions proposed in the operative section. The order of these clauses should logically progress from general background to specific reasons for the resolution. The operative clauses, beginning with "RESOLVED," clearly outline the actions, recommendations, or decisions being made. Each "RESOLVED" clause should be a separate and actionable statement, ending with a period (.) if it's the final clause, or a semicolon (;) if there are subsequent clauses. Numbering each "RESOLVED" clause improves organization and makes referencing specific actions easier. Furthermore, using sub-clauses (e.g., "RESOLVED, that a) ...; b) ...;") can break down complex actions into manageable parts and improve clarity. Consistency in indentation helps visually differentiate between the main clauses and any sub-clauses.How do I properly cite sources in a resolution I'm typing?
Properly citing sources in a resolution ensures the accuracy and credibility of your arguments. Within the resolution itself, use footnotes or endnotes with a shortened citation immediately following the fact or assertion derived from the source. Then, include a comprehensive bibliography or works cited page at the end of your resolution, providing full citation details for each source used.
Citing sources lends legitimacy to your resolution by demonstrating that your claims are supported by credible evidence. It avoids plagiarism and gives credit to the original authors whose work informed your arguments. The specific citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) should be consistent throughout the entire document. Check if your organization or competition has a preferred style, and adhere to it rigorously. Failing to properly cite sources can weaken your resolution's persuasive power and even lead to disqualification in some debate formats.
When creating your bibliography, ensure you include all the necessary information for each source, such as the author's name, title of the work, publication date, publisher, and page numbers if applicable. For online sources, include the URL and the date you accessed the information. Proofread your citations carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency in formatting. Using citation management software like Zotero or Mendeley can greatly simplify this process and help you maintain a well-organized bibliography.
What are the specific sections required when typing a resolution?
A standard resolution generally requires the following specific sections: a Title, a Preamble (comprising preambulatory clauses or "Whereas" clauses), an Operative Section (comprising operative clauses or "Resolved" clauses), and often a Distribution Clause.
The Title concisely identifies the subject matter of the resolution. The Preamble provides context and justification for the resolution by stating the reasons and underlying principles that support the proposed action. Each "Whereas" clause should present a separate argument or fact that builds a case for the resolution's necessity and relevance. The Operative Section outlines the specific actions or changes being proposed. These "Resolved" clauses contain the commands or directives that the body is seeking to implement. Each clause should be clear, concise, and actionable.
A Distribution Clause, while not always mandatory, specifies who will receive copies of the resolution after its passage. This is crucial for ensuring that the relevant individuals and organizations are informed of the decision and can take appropriate action. Clarity and adherence to this standard structure ensure the resolution is easily understood, efficiently debated, and effectively implemented if passed. Each section plays a crucial role in conveying the resolution's purpose, justification, and intended impact.
What is the best software for typing a resolution?
The best software for typing a resolution is generally a standard word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice Writer. These programs offer the necessary formatting options, collaboration features, and version control capabilities needed for drafting and refining resolutions effectively.
While specialized software isn't typically required, the key is choosing a program you're comfortable with and that offers robust formatting options. Resolutions often have specific structural requirements, including numbered clauses (e.g., "Whereas..." and "Resolved..."), consistent indentation, and specific font and margin settings. Word processors allow precise control over these elements, ensuring the final document adheres to the desired format. Additionally, features like track changes and commenting are invaluable for collaborative drafting and editing, enabling multiple individuals to contribute to and refine the resolution. Furthermore, cloud-based word processors like Google Docs offer the advantage of real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, regardless of their location. This can significantly streamline the drafting process, especially when dealing with geographically dispersed teams or committees. The built-in version history also provides an extra layer of security, enabling you to revert to earlier versions of the resolution if necessary. Ultimately, the software should facilitate clarity, accuracy, and collaboration in the creation of a well-structured and impactful resolution.How do I phrase clauses correctly when typing a resolution?
When typing a resolution, phrase clauses with precision and clarity by using proper parliamentary language. "Resolved" clauses state the actions you want the body to take, and should be actionable, specific, and avoid ambiguity. "Whereas" clauses, or preambulatory clauses, should provide context and justification for the resolution, each starting with "Whereas" and ending with a comma, except for the final "Whereas" clause which ends with "and".
The "Resolved" clauses should each be numbered for easy reference during debate and voting. Each "Resolved" clause must start with the word "Resolved" followed by the phrase "that this [body/committee/council]..." and then a clear statement of action. Ensure that the language is formal and avoids colloquialisms. For example, instead of saying "Resolved, that this council should, like, totally fund the thing," you should say "Resolved, that this council allocate \$[Amount] to [Specific Project]."
Each clause should address a single, focused topic. Avoid combining multiple distinct ideas into a single "Resolved" clause. If your resolution seeks to address multiple facets of an issue, separate them into individual clauses. This enhances clarity and allows for focused debate and potential amendments on each point. Remember that accuracy and clarity are paramount to a successful resolution.
Are there specific rules for capitalization and punctuation in resolutions?
Yes, resolutions adhere to specific capitalization and punctuation rules to ensure clarity and uniformity, although conventions may vary slightly depending on the organization or body adopting the resolution.
Resolutions typically follow a formal structure, which dictates capitalization and punctuation. The word "WHEREAS" introducing each justification clause is usually capitalized, and each clause ends with a semicolon. The final "WHEREAS" clause ends with a semicolon and the word "THEREFORE" is capitalized. The operative clauses, starting with "BE IT RESOLVED," are also capitalized, and each clause concludes with a comma, except for the final clause which ends with a period. This structured approach provides a clear distinction between the different sections of the resolution and aids in its interpretation. Beyond the standard formatting, consistency is key. Within the body of the resolution, standard English capitalization and punctuation rules apply. Proper nouns should be capitalized, and sentences should be punctuated correctly. While some organizations have style guides that offer more detailed instructions, adhering to general grammatical rules will ensure the resolution is professional and easy to understand. Remember to proofread carefully to catch any errors that may have been missed.How do I ensure my typed resolution is concise and persuasive?
To make your resolution concise and persuasive, focus on clear, direct language, a well-defined problem, specific proposed solutions, and compelling justifications. Eliminate unnecessary jargon and redundancy, and ensure each clause builds logically upon the previous one, culminating in a strong call to action.
Conciseness is achieved by using precise language. Avoid vague terms like "improve" or "address." Instead, specify *how* the resolution will improve a situation or *what* aspects it will address. Use active voice to make your points more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "It is desired that the committee consider...", write "The committee should consider...". Ruthlessly edit for any repetition or phrases that don't add substantive value. Every word should work to support your argument. Consider using a thesaurus to find more succinct synonyms.
Persuasiveness comes from a combination of strong reasoning and emotional appeal (ethos, logos, and pathos). Start with a compelling "Whereas" clause that clearly states the problem or need. Support your claims with evidence or logical arguments. Show how the proposed solutions ("Resolved" clauses) will effectively address the problem outlined in the "Whereas" clauses. Anticipate potential counter-arguments and proactively address them within your justification. Ensure your language is confident and optimistic, portraying the resolution as a positive and achievable step forward. Strong verbs and carefully chosen adjectives can significantly enhance the persuasive power of your writing.
And that's it! You've now got the know-how to craft a stellar resolution. Thanks so much for taking the time to learn with me. I hope this guide helps you make a real impact. Feel free to come back anytime you need a refresher, and good luck with your debating!