[NFB-Idaho] 2022 NFB ID Resolutions

[Erin A. Olsen]

The NNational Federation of the Blind of Idaho
Resolutions: How to Write/Format, Process, and Submission Instructions

2022 NFB Idaho State Convention Resolution Submission Instructions
Submission due date: Saturday, April 16, 2022
on or before 6:00 PM MDT/5 PM PST
Submit via e-mail to: eolsen at pckeys.com<mailto:eolsen at pckeys.com>

  *   Resolutions should be written and formatted according to standards which are provided below.
  *   Submit as a document (Word, Google doc etc. but NOT as a PDF
  *   Please ask your chapter president if you need assistance
What are NFB Idaho Resolutions?
Resolutions are a formal way of stating intended action or position on an issue by a group of people.  In this case, the NFB of Idaho. It is a formal document, in writing, that is presented to some subset of the larger group who has been given authority to receive and consider it. For us, this is the Resolutions Committee that meets during our state convention.
The resolutions Committee receives proposed resolutions from members prior to the convention, in writing and following the standard language and format (see below). If the resolution addresses an issue that is appropriate and relevant for the state affiliate, the resolution is presented by the committee during a committee session. The session is an open meeting and members are encouraged to attend.
The committee reads the resolution as it was submitted. They then discuss the relevance, language, and proposed action or position the resolution states. Comments by the larger body (NFB Idaho membership) may also occur. Modifications may be made. The committee votes to accept or reject the resolution (as submitted or as revised). Acceptance means it will be presented for a vote by the greater NFB Idaho members during the state convention general session.
Resolutions that are adopted by majority vote during general session become part of the affiliate's permanent records and represent our official stance on an issue or action we will take.
Writing a Resolution
Resolutions are proposed by NFB Idaho members. They are your opportunity to address problems, situations, or concerns which affect blind people in Idaho. Resolutions are an important part of NFB's advocacy, representing NFB Idaho's position on and action to be taken regarding issues impacting people who are blind or visually impaired.
Steps for writing and submitting resolutions to the committee for consideration at state convention include:

  1.  Identify the issue - keep it simple and only address one issue per resolution
  2.  Be sure the issue addresses a blindness issue and aligns with NFB mission, goals, and policies
  3.  Ensure the issue has not already been addressed at the national level
  4.  Do some research
     *   Be sure you have supported facts and clearly understand the current situation
     *   Make sure the research clearly supports the statements and statistics used to support the "resolve" you will write
  5.  Write the resolution, using standard language and format
  6.  Submit the resolution to the committee by the stated deadline (usually about one week before state convention)
Resolution format and language

  1.  DATE - Include the date your are submitting your resolution to the committee
  2.  RESOLUTION NUMBER
     *   The Resolutions Committee will designate the resolution number at the top
     *   Resolutions are numbered in the order they were received
  3.  TITLE
     *   Write the title of the resolution
     *   It should clearly identify and speak to the issue that you want to document
  4.  WHEREAS
     *   This is the first part of the resolution
     *   These clauses identify and summarize the situation
     *   Begin each new paragraph with the word "whereas
     *   The first sentence might reference NFB Idaho's responsibility. For example, "Whereas it is the responsibility of the National federation of the Blind of Idaho to bring attention to issues that impact people who are blind and visually impaired:"
     *   The first word, of the whereas clause sets the "tone" for the statement, the stronger the conviction about an issue, the stronger the first word.
     *   Each clause in the whereas should be followed by a comma (,) and the word "and"
     *   The last clause in this section of the resolution should be followed by a colon (:).
     *   Some possible initiating phrases for whereas clauses:

  *   Acknowledging
  *   Alarmed
  *   Approving
  *   Concerned
  *   Confident
  *   Convinced
  *   Declaring
  *   Desiring
  *   Deploring
  *   Determined
  *   Emphasizing
  *   Endorsing
  *   Expecting
  *   Fulfilling
  *   Mindful
  *   Observing
  *   Realizing
  *   Recognizing
  *   Reiterating
  *   Seeking
  *   Stressing
  *   Welcoming

     *   Continue writing out each important statement of the resolution, beginning each paragraph with whereas
     *   Whereas should support the resolved statements
     *   Cite your research to support the facts

                                                             i.      Background references should be factual and verifiable

                                                           ii.      References should be current (published no more than six years ago)

                                                         iii.      You should include at least two current references for the resolution but preferably two references for each whereas

  1.  RESOLVES
     *   The next part of the resolution
     *   These clauses should state the resolution which is the action or position NFB Idaho will take
     *   They state what ACTION should be taken to solve the problem set up in the whereas
     *   For example, "Now, therefore be it resolved that...
     *   The resolved clauses should be the strongest part of your resolution
     *   Your resolved should move away from stating why something is wrong, and offer solutions
     *   The first word of the resolved clause should be a verb, and should show what will follow in the clause
     *   Each actionable clause should end with a semi-colon (;).
     *   The last resolved clause should be followed by a period (.).
     *   Some possible initiating phrases for resolved clauses:

  *   Accepts
  *   Adopts
  *   Affirms
  *   Appeals
  *   Appreciates
  *   Approves
  *   Authorizes
  *   Calls upon
  *   Commends
  *   Concurs
  *   Condemns
  *   Confirms
  *   Declares
  *   Designates
  *   Directs
  *   Promotes
  *   Recognizes
  *   Recommends
  *   Seeks
  *   Suggests
  *   Supports
  *   Urges

  1.  SIGNATURE
     *   The Resolutions Committee will add the appropriate verbiage at the bottom of the document
     *   It will identify how the resolution was processed and what the final status is
     *   It includes a place for the president to sign and date the resolution, if adopted


Sample of the general structure of an NFB Idaho resolution
Resolution number 2022-##
Date #/##/2022
RESOLUTION TITLE
Whereas;        the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho  (NFB Idaho)is seeking to adopt a specific policy, to address a situation which they feel impacts their members and the general population of blind Idahoans; and
Whereas,         NFB Idaho will be as specific as possible about the issue, to show the relevance of the resolution to the organization; and
Whereas,         Each whereas supports the resolved statements; and
Whereas,         NFB Idaho will provide factual examples making sure the research clearly supports the statements and statistics used to support the resolve; and
Whereas,         These examples exemplify why action should be taken; therefore be it
Resolved,        NFB Idaho will offer specific recommendations for action that will help to turn the negative situation into a positive one; be it further
Resolved,        The resolved is the true meat of the resolution as it moves away from stating why something is wrong, and offers solutions to correct the problem; be it further
Resolved,        NFB Idaho will be as specific and detailed as possible with the offered solution.