Resolutions

HOW TO GET A RESOLUTION STARTED!

A resolution is basically a motion or a formal way of introducing new business with the purpose of presenting our concerns or recommendations. A resolution is used to educate, inform, or establish new policy and it usually asks for action of some kind.  

Ideas for resolutions can be found every where:

• Awareness of issues from personal experience

• Ideas may come from the media; local and national newspapers, magazines, the internet, radio etc.

• Through brainstorming session with others

• First Check - check to make sure the CWL hasn’t already done a resolution on your topic

• Share - Share your idea with others. Speak to your parish president and ask to have the topic put on the next meeting’s agenda.

• Form a committee - Ask other ladies with same minded concerns to help. You don’t need a huge committee but try to get at least 2 or 3 to join you.

• Get the Facts – gather the supporting material. Research your topics using all available resources. Use the internet, the library, people resources etc.

• Decide - Decide on a title for your resolution as this will help you decide what outcome you hope to accomplish from your resolution.

• Draft - Create your first draft starting with the resolved clauses first and working your way back up to the whereas clause.

Three Basic Parts of a Resolution

• WHEREAS - The reason why you want this

• RESOLVED - Determines what action you want as an outcome.

• THE BRIEF – The supporting information or argument to convince your audience to adopt this resolution.

Resources

• National Manual of Policy and Procedure

• Executive Handbook

• The Canadian League Magazine

• National Standing Chair Communiqués

• Previous Toronto Diocesan Council Resolutions click here for the list of titles 

• Information available through www.cwl.ca and www.cwl.on.ca

• Resolutions Checklist click here

• Resolution Flow Chart click here