Resolutions for the Fall 2013 Convention

With district meetings approaching, the AAMDC would like to remind members of the important role resolutions play in identifying direction for association advocacy efforts.  To maximize these efforts, having well written resolutions that are clear, concise and include the pertinent information are essential.

Resolutions brought forward to convention should address issues that are provincial in scope or influence legislative changes that will impact municipalities. These issues are important to raise and debate at convention so members from across the province understand areas of commonality that the AAMDC can work towards.

When drafting resolutions, please note that the structure of resolutions is important. They must have a title, preamble, operative clause and member background.  Member background is the most often neglected aspect of a resolution, yet is critical to the AAMDC’s advocacy position development. For more information on these resolution aspects, please refer to the attached background material. Districts chairs are encouraged to adopt these requirements for all resolutions brought forward at district meetings.

AAMDC members are reminded to review the Resolutions Process Policy which offers a comprehensive outline of the AAMDC’s resolution process is available by logging into the website and clicking here.

Complete, district-approved resolutions meeting the above requirements can be emailed to Tasha Blumenthal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in a MS Word compatible format. The deadline to submit resolutions for the Fall 2013 Convention is October 11, 2013.

Enquiries may be directed to:

Backgrounder: Resolution Development Tips

TITLE

The title should give a clear indication of the resolution’s intent. It should, at a glance, provide the reader an understanding of the topic matter and the desired outcome. (Example: Protection of Aquifers and Water Supply in Coal Bed Methane Extraction.)

PREAMBLE (AKA ‘WHEREAS’ CLAUSE)

A good resolution is a detailed and factual. The preamble provides context for the resolution. It concisely identifies the situation or environment prompting the resolution, as well as its impact or significance. Where practical, include:

• Your facts source
• References to the specific legislation affected by or causing the problem
• Past resolutions or current lobby efforts on the same subject
• Recent incidents or developments

OPERATIVE CLAUSE (AKA ‘THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED’ CLAUSE)

There are two main kinds of resolutions: policy and directive. A policy states the opinion of the group. A directive is a call to action. Consider the result you want and phrase the resolution accordingly. This clause should be succinct and complete. In isolation from the preamble and background, the reader should understand the resolution’s intent exactly. These clauses can contain the following aspects:

• Recommendations for specific action
• Statements of opinions
• Requests for further consideration or monitoring
• Formation of a committee
• Writing a letter to key stakeholders
• Making a formal request
• Bringing a matter to the attention of key stakeholders, etc.

MEMBER BACKGROUND

This section provides more in-depth information of the context and environment. Fundamentally, it includes and expands on all the relevant information contained in the preamble, such as:

• History of the issue
• References to specific legislation
• Past resolutions or current lobby efforts by the AAMDC or other relevant organizations
• Recent incidents or developments
• Issue impacts, both positive and negative
• Identifying others stakeholders with a vested interest
• Supportive publications

Attachments:

File	Description
06 11 13 Resolutions for the Fall 2013 Convention.pdf