*SUBMITTING RESOLUTIONS

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RESOLUTION FORMS

What Is a Resolution?
  • A formal and concise motion, in writing, introduced by the word “Resolved”, that presents new business to the assembly for decision.
Why a Resolution?
  • nAll main motions (motions that introduce NEW topics) for the NYRLCA are presented in the form of a resolution.
  • Ideally, the resolution is presented in advance of the Annual Convention, so it can be screened by the Resolutions Committee.
Resolution Requirements
  • nMUST be submitted in the proper format and in the proper form
  • nMUST include the County or name of individual submitting the resolution
  • ØResolutions without this information will be rejected by the Resolutions Committee and will NOT be presented to the Convention.
  • ØResolutions submitted by a County must bear the signature of the County Secretary, the name of the County, and the date submitted.
  • ØResolutions submitted by an individual must bear the signature and PRINTED NAME of the individual and the date submitted.
  • nPresented in advance of the Convention (if at all possible)
Types of Resolutions
  • nBinding
Presents something that the assembly has the authority to mandate and the State or National Board has the authority to enact without involvement of other parties.
(e.g. The State newsletter will be published six times per year instead of four times per year.)
Example of Binding Resolution:
WHEREAS, the NALC food drives are supposed to be voluntary, but Rural Carriers are being forced to participate, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rural Carriers Union withdraw its support of the program.
  • nNon-Binding
Presents something that the assembly desires to be done but the State or National Board does not, on its own, have the authority to enact, but must consult/work with other entities.
(e.g. A change in the health benefits.)
Example of Non-Binding Resolution:
WHEREAS, when a carrier becomes eligible for health insurance coverage through the postal services, BE IT RESOLVED, if the carrier opts NOT to take any coverage, the member receive some sort of rebate from the postal service, as other employers do.

 

What Makes a Good Resolution?
 
nWELL thought out
Not to be used for an unrealistic "wish list"

Ø nResearched  

Invest the time to get all of your facts straight, and your “ducks in a row.”
ØCheck the information the Association has available on items already addressed or under consideration -- particularly at the National level.
ØAsk questions about the idea/concept you want to present.

nPresents a realistic and “doable” concept.

ØDon’t present something you really know cannot or will not be done.
nInput is sought from others who have experience with the topic being presented in the resolution, Øfor example, if you want to make changes to the duties of the Treasurer, seek input from the current and past Treasurers.

well written

ØIf writing is not your “thing”, ask for help. Write it out and review it before you just submit it.
 
nConcise - this is paramount!
ØDon’t be “wordy”. More does NOT necessarily mean better.
ØIt should be easily understood, even by an outsider.

 

Tips for Resolution Writing

nOnly information REQUIRED for understanding is included in the WHEREAS clauses.
n
nKeep WHEREAS clauses to an absolute minimum. If the RESOLVED clause can be understood on its own, them eliminate the WHEREAS clause(s).
nOne RESOLVED clause stating the action desired.
nReviewed by others prior to submission.
n
 
nNot presented merely for the purpose of saying you have presented a resolution.

JUST AN EXAMPLE......

WHEREAS, the places we visit in New York State are boring, and
WHEREAS, we are tired of going to the same places, and
WHEREAS, we wish to travel more, and
WHEREAS, we have enough money to do this, and
WHEREAS, it would be more fun if we had better meeting places, and
WHEREAS, more people would come if we had meetings in better places, and
WHEREAS, if more people come we will make more money, and
WHEREAS, if we make more money we can travel more, and
WHEREAS, we just want to present a resolution at the State Convention, and
WHEREAS, we want people to have to sit and listen to our resolution just because we want them to, and
WHEREAS, we want to show up the City Carriers, and
WHEREAS, we also want to go on record as having written the longest resolution in history, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the future meetings of our Association are held in Hawaii, and be it further
RESOLVED, that all expenses for all members of the Association be paid out of Association funds, and be it further
RESOLVED, that we charter jets to take us to Hawaii in style, and be it further
RESOLVED, that we have a golf tournament each year in conjunction with the Convention, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Ann Homer is the goddess of parliamentary procedure.
 
WHEREAS, we need more exciting conventions, be it
 
RESOLVED, that all conventions be held in Hawaii with all expenses for all participants paid out of Association funds.
*Presented by:
Ann L. Homer CPP-T, PRP
 
*Presented for:
New York Rural Letter Carriers
January 12, 2008

 

      RESOLUTION FORMS

 

Please note that there are two different forms :

INDIVIDUAL (pdf file)

or

INDIVIDUAL (word document)

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COUNTY (pdf file)

or

COUNTY (word document)

*Resolution forms must be received by the State Secretary by June 21, 2008
                                                      or
 brought to State Convention and turned in to the Resolution Committee.