Resolutions to be considered by the 2012 assembly
There will be five resolutions considered by the 2012 assembly. To read the resolutions, see page 44 of the Pre-Assembly Report.
Guidelines for writing a resolution
One avenue of access for congregations, conferences, and synod committees to address issues and propose a plan for action is the resolution, defined in Robert’s Rules of Order as “a main motion submitted in writing because of its importance or its complexity.” Resolutions help organize the work of the assembly by clarifying important issues or concerns. Resolutions are first reviewed by the reference and counsel committee, which will make recommendations to the assembly to facilitate its work, but the resolutions belong to the assembly and may be amended, rejected, or adopted after consideration by the voting members.
- Validate your idea.
- Begin by discussing your proposed resolution with people. If you have a difficult time convincing other individuals that your resolution is necessary, you will find it even harder to convince the assembly.
- Write the resolution.
- Keep the resolution to one page. State the issue simply, concisely, and factually.
- Avoid argumentative, inflammatory, and emotional words.
Who submits resolutions?
Resolutions may be submitted for assembly consideration by congregational councils, conferences of the synod, or committees of the synod.
Remember to sign it and list a contact person
Resolutions must be signed by the congregational council president, the conference dean, or the synod committee chair. The reference and counsel committee requests that each resolution include the name, email address, and telephone number of a contact person in case committee members have questions or need information.
Use this format
State the issue, concern, or problem in the WHEREAS clause(s). State the proposed solution in the RESOLVED clause(s). The solution (resolved clauses) should include:
- What should be done.
- Who should act.
- How the action will be funded, if cost is involved in the preparation of resources, staff time, or publicity. Include the source of funding or, if it is to be covered by the synod budget, what current allocation should be reduced to provide funding.
- When the action should be completed.
- To whom the results should be reported.
Effective resolutions
- Help clarify our beliefs;
- Propose a method for resolving an issue;
- Give direction to the synod’s mission by recommending particular actions. Consider whether the action requested is a matter of significance requiring consideration by the synod assembly and whether the action is one which the synod—that is, the congregations of this synod—can appropriately and effectively implement.
- Be aware that if a resolution carries with it any financial implications, a proposed assembly rule (Rule H.2.) adopted by the synod council specifies that any proposal increasing any line item in the proposed 2013 budget shall indicate from which line or lines an equal amount is to be subtracted.
Some resolutions are more effective when data, statistics, or explanatory materials are provided on an information sheet. Copies of any document referred to in the resolution should be included when the resolution is submitted to the reference and counsel committee. If documentation is included, however, keep in mind the use of excess paper and readability. Shorter is generally better.
Anticipate reference and counsel review
The reference and counsel committee reviews proposed resolutions with the above principles in mind. The committee may return a resolution for further work if additional clarification is needed. The committee may also consolidate resolutions on the same topic and/or replace those submitted with another of the reference and counsel committee’s own making. All resolutions submitted will be considered by the committee and will be included in the matters to be taken up by the assembly.
Direct resolutions to the appropriate body
Direct resolutions or requested actions to an appropriate committee (synod council, synodical leadership team, churchwide unit, etc.). If the resolution is intended to have churchwide effect, memorials are not an effective method. Instead, direct the resolution to the appropriate churchwide board or committee. The synod office can assist you with identifying the appropriate body.
Deadline
March 30, 4:30 p.m.
All resolutions for consideration at the synod assembly must be submitted by this deadline in order to give the reference and counsel committee adequate time to consider them. Resolutions submitted after this deadline will be considered first by the reference and counsel committee, and then (with or without its support) will come before the assembly only by means of a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of considering the late resolution. The reference and counsel committee will consider the reason for late submission in giving its recommendation. Resolutions not addressed by the synod assembly shall be forwarded to the synod council.
Please submit resolutions by email to Beth Helgen.
