NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS - Preparations and Format

Before any topic can be brought before an assembly for debate, it must be introduced as a motion. A Resolution is a motion. It is also a formal written statement addressing a matter of great importance. The statement can be of a decision, of policy, or an expression of opinion or intent. When an assembly, after consideration of a matter, wishes to convey the results of its deliberation to some individual, group, body, agency, or the general public, it may choose to adopt a resolution as a formal format to give emphasis to the message the words convey.

Preparation Process. Start well in Advance.

1. A problem is perceived. Determine if in fact there is a problem.

2. Is the problem of national interest, or of only local or personal concern?

3. Is a Resolution needed to solve the problem?

4. Research the problem. Gather the documentation to support your proposed resolution.

Drafting the Resolution. A resolution has two parts:

1. The Resolving Clause, so called because it begins with the words "Resolved That." This is a brief clear statement of the assembly's position, it is an action statement -- stating who will do what.

2. The Preamble, so called because it precedes the Resolving Clause(s). Each preamble paragraph, will state a separate reason, is will be preceded by the word "WHEREAS." It sets out the reason(s) why the Resolving Clause states the action it does as it does. If the reasoning behind the Resolving clause is self-evident, no Preamble is necessary. A suggested maximum is five Preamble paragraphs.

Format.

Cover just one subject; resolutions must be concisely written in the specific format listed below:

TITLE: CENTERED, BOLDED IN CAPS

WHEREAS: The "WHEREAS" paragraph(s) give relevant supporting facts both about the issue and why the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) should relate to that subject;

WHEREAS: Both the "WHEREAS" and the "RESOLVED THAT" phrases are in bold and all caps; and

WHEREAS: All acronyms (such as AUSN) should be spelled out the first time used and abbreviated thereafter; and

WHEREAS: The last word of the paragraph should be followed by a semi-colon and then the word "and" in the second and each succeeding "WHEREAS" paragraph; and

WHEREAS: The last "WHEREAS" paragraph should end with a semi-colon and the words "now therefore be it" but no "and"; therefore be it

RESOLVED THAT, the resolution should state in this and following paragraphs what action AUSN will take or what policy will be instituted; and that the end of the paragraph should be followed by a semi-colon and the word "and be it further" for the first and each succeeding "RESOLVED" paragraph; and be it further.

RESOLVED THAT, all resolutions must be typed, single or double spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper and should be no longer than one page, one side in length; that all margins (top, bottom, left, right) must be at least one inch and type size must be no smaller than 10 point; and be it

FINALLY RESOLVED THAT, AUSN should . . . and end the final paragraph with a period.

Submitted by: _______________________________

Name, member #, chapter/district

Note: Supporting documentation should be attached to the resolution. It should be delivered to AUSN Headquarters, 1619 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 866-683-3647 (fax); anthony.wallis@ausn.org by mail or e-mail, at least 30 days before the conference at which to be considered, unless deemed "time sensitive".