AAUW NYSEquity for Women and  Girls through advocacy, education and research

Public Policy Resources

Nancy Mion & Judith McGinn
NYS Public Policy Directors

The purpose of a resolution is to focus attention on issues of importance to the mission and vision of AAUW. The resolution should contain specific and realistic suggestions for action. Here's how to write a resolution for consideration at convention.

  1. Figure out what exactly you want. Is it legislative action? Is it support for a project? Is it recognition of the efforts and work of an individual or branch or another organization?
  2. Determine how your concern/project/recognition relates to AAUW's mission and Public Policy Priorities.
  3. Draft your resolution.
    • The introductory paragraph should contain the who, what, when, where and why of the resolution.
    • The introductory paragraph should be followed by a series of statements (beginning with Whereas…) that are general but pertinent to the issue. You can make statements about societal conditions, historical facts, etc. that suggest the need for the resolution.
    • The third phase of the resolution is more philosophical or sociological and leads into the final paragraph which begins with this statement: Now, therefore, be it resolved that AAUW-NYS
      Recognizes the importance of…OR
    • Urges that a specific group such as the legislature, professional organization, elected official(s) take a specified action…OR
    • Urges/suggests action to be taken by branches/members/AAUW-NYS…OR
    • Commends any branch/individual/community for already taking action on the specified issue…OR
    • Et cetera.
  4. Proofread your resolution; verify its accuracy with other supporters.
  5. Send a copy of the resolution to the Public Policy Director by March 28 . (Resolutions endorsed by AAUW-NYS or the Association in previous years will not be considered.)
  6. Be prepared to speak to your resolution at the Annual Convention during both the Resolutions Hearing and the Business Session.
  7. Contact the Public Policy Director with questions, comments, concerns.

The AAUW-NYS bylaws contain rules for the preparation and submission of resolutions.