LWVCT’s Viewpoint on Rule 10.1 (Resolutions)

At Council 2007 LWVUS initiated a conversation about the use of resolutions. This conversation led to a larger discussion of program, action and what constitutes member understanding and agreement. Some delegates conveyed their belief that the increasing use of resolutions at recent Conventions reflected the degree of frustration felt by delegates in trying to get their voices and issues heard. Reportedly, LWVUS proposed Rule 10.1 in order to address comments, made at Council 2007 and to respond to input by leagues after Council, regarding the use of resolutions.

LWVCT agrees with many components of this resolution, but disagrees with others. Ultimately we believe that the adverse features outweigh the positive and that the proposed rule should be amended or defeated. 

We agree with the requirements that

·     resolutions be sent to all leagues 4 weeks in advance of convention (10.1 B1) 

·     the maker of the resolution be a convention delegate (10.1 B2.)

·     the notice of the resolution include a rationale, along with pros and cons (10.1 B3).

We also can support the formation of a resolutions committee (part of 10.1 C) but disagree with its proposed composition and its assignment.

Because we are a grassroots organization, the composition of the committee should reflect all levels of the organization. As currently drafted, the proposal would allow all five members to be current and former LWVUS board members. (10.1 C). The LWVUS perspective toward resolutions will be well represented by two LWVUS members of the committee. However, state and local perspectives must be represented when reviewing resolutions. We believe that current state and local League board leaders should complete the balance of the committee.

We strongly disagree with the committee’s review criteria (10.1 D 1-7) for evaluating resolutions. We recommend their removal.  The criteria would restrict, rather than promote, delegate debate. Some criteria are too restrictive, some too ambiguous, and others too arbitrary.   

We believe that the committee’s role should be limited to ensuring that resolutions meet the requirements of 10.1 B and to presenting all resolutions, so qualified, to the convention delegates for consideration. The crafting and processing of resolutions that meet the requirements of 10.1 B demonstrate commitment and forethought. The delegate body should be allowed to consider all qualified resolutions.

League of Women Voters of Connecticut

Jara Burnett, President

Nancy Bassett, VP, Program

Cheryl Dunson, VP, Public Issues

Carole Young-Kleinfeld, VP, Communications

5/23/08

LWVUS Convention 2008

Proposed Rule 10.1 –Procedure for Resolutions: 

1. Resolutions may be presented for consideration.
2. In order to present a resolution:
   1. The language of the resolution shall have been sent to all leagues by the maker of the resolution at least four weeks prior to convention.
   2. The maker of the resolution shall be a registered Convention delegate at the time that notice of the resolution is sent.
   3. The notice of the resolution shall include:
      1. Background information including the pros and cons of the issue presented by the resolution.
      2. Explanation of the rationale for using this form of member understanding and agreement.
3. Four weeks prior to Convention, the President of the LWVUS Board of Directors shall appoint a resolutions committee consisting of two members of the LWVUS Board of Directors and three registered convention delegates who have either served on the LWVUS Board or a state League board. The parliamentarian shall serve as an ad hoc member of the committee.
4. The Resolutions Committee shall meet on Saturday to consider whether resolutions meeting the conditions described above also meet the following criteria:
   1. The resolution is consistent with existing League Principles and positions;
   2. The resolution does not circumvent the Program Planning process,
   3. The resolution involves specific, single, short-term action,
   4. The resolution addresses a topical issue,
   5. The resolution is likely to have a measurable impact on the outcome of the matter which is the subject of the resolution,
   6. The maker of the resolution has secured permission of any League whose member of Congress is the target of the resolution, and
   7. The resolution can be implemented within existing resources of the League.
      The maker of the resolution may make a presentation to the committee.
5. The Resolutions Committee shall make a written report of its findings. The chair of the Resolutions Committee shall announce the committee’s findings to the Convention at the outset of the Sunday plenary and the written report shall be posted and distributed for consideration of the delegates.
6. Motions to adopt resolutions must be made at the Sunday plenary. The President may rule a motion out of order. The delegates may override, by a two-thirds vote, the decision of the President regarding the motions.

Debate and action on resolutions shall take place immediately after action and debate on proposed program. A majority vote is required to adopt a resolution.

LWVUS

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