Writing Grange Resolutions
Its Easier Than You Think!
As this article is being written, the State Grange has received about a dozen resolutions to be considered at 2010 Annual Session. The resolution should be postmarked by August 15. Resolutions postmarked after the deadline may be accepted at the discretion of the Committee Chair.
We thought a short reminder on writing resolutions may be in order. This year, the process is being streamlined to make the handling of resolutions more efficient at convention.
One of the real benefits of Grange membership is the opportunity to have an effective voice regarding the issues that affect their lives. Each of the National Grange’s current 1,200 separate policy positions and the CSG’s Policy Handbook all started as resolutions that were written and adopted by a local Grange chapter. Even so, some people are still intimidated at the idea of writing a Grange resolution. They shouldn’t be. It isn’t that difficult.
To begin with, you need to identify the problem, determine what you want your resolutions to accomplish. Then determine what you believe is the best method of obtaining that solution. This is the Resolved, and should contain explicit instructions on what you want the Grange to do.
Now you need to identify why the change should be made. These are your Whereases. Remember that a resolution does not need a Whereas if the Resolve states clearly an action and you feel there is no need to argue its merits. Also, remember that the Whereas will not be a part of your Resolved, so the Resolved must stand on its own, be complete and not refer to the Whereas in determining action. For example, a Resolve that says “Therefore, the CSG and National Grange should require Congress to accomplish this” is useless.
Here’s how your resolution should be structured for submission to the State Grange:
Title of Your Resolution
Your Grange Name & Number
Whereas: this is where you identify one problem that needs to be addressed or solved; and
Whereas: only place one reason or fact that supports your argument in each whereas paragraph; and
Whereas: only put facts in the whereas paragraphs that make it easier for the reader to understand the purpose of your resolution. Personal opinion is not fact – prove the need. Therefore be it
Resolved: this is where you clearly state the primary action that you propose to solve the problem you identified in the whereas paragraphs. This statement should stand alone, making any action required understood and complete, even if the reader never sees the whereas paragraphs. and be it further
Resolved: any secondary actions to address the problem are placed here and in further resolves. Ideally, each resolve paragraph will have a separate and complete call to action.
When sending your resolutions to the CSG, be sure and include any supporting documents you feel the committee working the resolution should consider. These documents will be made available to the committees for study. Please send copies and not originals, and you may also contact the Committee Chair if you wish to testify about your resolution.
For help in preparing resolutions, call the State Grange Legislative Director or call the State Headquarters at 916-454-5805. We can also be reached via e-mail at info@californiagrange.org