Passage of a CCW resolution

by Shirley Nowak, DCCW Parliamentarian

Each year a committee from the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Board is assigned to draft possible resolutions which should help define who we are. These resolutions are then presented to the Board as a whole where they are moved for adoption at the Annual Convention. This year’s Convention will be Saturday, April 26, 2003 in Olivia, MN.

The proposed resolutions have been sent to each region and parish in the diocese for review. Any debate is welcomed before passage at the Convention. Voting delegates from throughout the New Ulm Diocese will make the final decision on acceptance or denial of the Resolutions.

How resolutions are formulated:

The Power of a Resolution: Frequently organizations express group opinion by means of a resolution, which then becomes official policy. In addition to expressing group opinion, a resolution can serve as a tool to mobilize support and can influence other groups and individuals to study issues and take action.

Laying the Ground Work: As a rule, it is best: to provide information; to discuss the issues; to arrive at a thorough under-standing and then go on record by means of a resolution.

Drafting the Resolution: A resolution should: identify the group passing the resolution; give the one or two strongest reasons why the organization takes a stand on the issue; tell exactly what the group advocates, or the action it hopes the recipient will take.

A formal resolution meets all three of these points, but in a different order:

Whereas - serves to give reasons

Resolved - gives the purpose

We - explains who took action

Actual passage: After a resolution is drafted, it takes simple steps to get it adopted which may vary with the size and formality of the organization. Resolutions have an important part in keeping an organization focused on its goals. You are the Council of Catholic Women...be informed and involved in the direction we propose.