[NFBK] Resolutions for the Affiliate Convention

[Lonnie Swafford]

Greetings Everyone,

 

Please find below information about resolutions that can be reviewed when
considering what initiatives and actions you would like the affiliate to
adopt at our upcoming convention in October. This information is from the
National office as and can be used as your guide. I've also included at the
end, some questions that we've used in prior years to help draft
resolutions. As always, the resolutions committee is here to assist as
needed. Please submit your completed resolutions to Lonnie Swafford,
committee chairperson via email at: Lonnie.swafford at nfbky.org, no later than
October 9. 

Resolutions may be concerned with any number of topics. Each resolution
should be succinctly stated and focused on a limited goal. Always phrase
resolutions in a positive setting. Criticisms should be constructive.
Members may construct resolutions from a wide variety of subjects.

Consider the policies and programs of agencies such as the National Library
Service, the accessibility of mainstream technology, the rights of subsets
of our membership, like blind parents, etc. Here are some questions you can
ask when thinking about a resolution: 

*	Are blind people getting the services we need?
*	What policies and practices should be reformed? 

Subject matter for resolutions should not be limited to agencies for the
blind. Many aspects of community life have an impact on blind people: 

*	Can blind people cast a truly secret ballot?
*	Do blind people have access to public information?
*	Can we fill out forms independently on state and federal websites?
*	Do blind people have access to public transportation?
*	Are blind people exempted from earning a minimum wage?

As you can see, there are many subjects for resolutions. You'll want to pay
careful attention to resolutions adopted by the national Convention. Some
may be especially relevant to Kentucky. These should be redrafted
specifically to address local conditions.

Be sure to pay attention to details listed here. Before writing a
resolution, do your research. Be sure to state the facts about a problem
correctly. Don't overlook the small details-the correct name of the
national, state agency, or department, and who can legally assume
jurisdiction for the solution that you propose. For instance, some actions
can only be taken by Congress or a state's governor, while others must be
corrected by legislation.

There are two parts to a resolution: the "whereas" clauses and the "resolve"
clauses. In the "whereas" clauses, you outline the background and scope of
the problem. In the "resolve" clauses, you outline the solution, or take a
position on what actions must be performed. By long standing practice, we do
not write resolutions directed at ourselves.

A resolution constitutes a state affiliate's position on a given issue.
Resolutions collectively make up the record of the policies we want to
promote. Our organization is dynamic because anyone can write a resolution
for the committee to consider. This practice allows more ideas and more
creative solutions. If you conclude your state affiliate's convention
without passing any resolutions, you are missing the opportunity to let the
members and the public know the thinking and plans of the organization.
Resolutions are great mechanisms for raising expectations so that blind
people can live the lives we want and to ensure that blindness does not hold
us back.

Lonnie & Ashley Swafford

5109 Bannon Crossings Drive

Louisville, KY 40218

H: (502) 491-1992

M: (502) 609-2394

 

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