> Recipe for Resolutions
Member's Recipe for Resolutions
By Phil Alexander
Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) resolutions explain our will or intentions on the many conservation matters that arise each year. They become a special method of communications for important conservation issues.
IWF resolutions are approved by the delegates at the annual meeting each year. Resolutions are not meant to designate a specific action for IWF.
So what does a resolution look like and how are they composed? Illustrated below is a reprint of Resolution No. 99-1. The resolution has been divided into five sections as follows:
A - The HEADING states the organization name and the resolution number assigned by the Resolutions Committee.
B - The SUBJECT of the resolution, Conservation Reinvestment Act of 1999.
C - The WHEREAS paragraphs contain the reasons for the resolve. Each "whereas" paragraph contains one primary point of fact.
D - The RESOLVE states where and when the resolution was approved and what action is requested. This example was approved at the annual meeting June 11-13, 1999 at Clifty Falls State Park and IWF urges its members and supporters to endorse passage of the Conservation Reinvestment Act of 1999.
E - The AUTHOR -may be an individual or an affiliate organization.
RESOLUTIONS
The subject of a resolution may be selected from a multitude of conservation issues. It can be a natural resources management issue or it can support or oppose legislation on a local, state or national level, as shown in the example.
Conservation resolutions are typically recommended by affiliate clubs, associate organizations and/or individual members.
All proposed resolutions must be received at the IWF office not less than 50 days prior to the annual meeting. The proposed resolutions are then forwarded to the Resolutions Committee (Article 12 Sec. 2, by-laws).
Upon acceptance, the Resolutions Committee will edit the proposed resolution into the proper format. We must keep in mind that resolutions are not meant to designate a specific action to be taken by IWF.
Common reason for rejection of a resolution include:
- IWF previously approved a resolution on the proposed subject.
- The resolution may be premature in light of pending developments.
- The language is too general when applied to specific projects or issues.
- The subject is too local when applied to state or national policy.
- The resolution was not submitted within the time frame prescribed by IWF by-laws.
Emergency resolutions may be submitted in the proper format if the delegation at the annual meeting declares an emergency to exist. This requires an affirmative vote by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the qualified electors present (Article 12 Sec. 4 by-laws).
Resolutions approved at the annual meeting will be circulated to state officials, legislators and newspapers.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
Proposed constitution and by-laws changes will also be discussed and voted upon at the annual meeting. The constitution is a physical structure and basic law or document of IWF. The IWF constitution states who makes up the organization and their objectives. It also describes the basic types of membership and sets the number of officers and board members who will govern IWF.
The by-laws simply describe the rules of IWF and how they are administered. The IWF by-laws include structure, membership and dues, voting, meetings, election of officers, terms of office and the duties for each office. The by-laws also describe the election, qualifications and duties of the board of directors and explains the function of committees.
Proposed constitution and by-laws amendments must be announced in Hoosier Conservation at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the annual meeting (Article 6, Sec. 243 Constitution and Article II Sec. 2 by-laws).
Emergency constitution and by-laws amendments may be considered without meeting the notification requirements if a three-fourths (3/4) majority of qualified delegates agree that an emergency exists (Article 6, Sec. 5 Constitution and Article II, Sec. 5 By-laws).
SUBMISSION
You may prepare a resolution, as outlined above, based upon the problem you have witnessed. Proposed amendments to the constitution or by-laws are also to be submitted to the Resolutions Committee at the address below. If you need any assistance or have further questions, please contact the IWF office, including your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
Submit via US mail:
Resolutions Committee
Indiana Wildlife Federation
950 N. Rangeline Rd., Suite A
Carmel, IN 46032-3445
Or click here to submit via email.
