Council Process and Resolution Review Hints and Helpers Garnet Patterson February 15, 2012

Points to Remember Policy or Action? Policy or Action? Issues of Curriculum, Working Conditions, Government, Professional Development Issues of Curriculum, Working Conditions, Government, Professional Development Written from a “Union” point of view Written from a “Union” point of view Avoid duplication of current policy Avoid duplication of current policy Timely Timely

Avoid These Common Pitfalls Lacks Clarity Lacks Clarity Too Long Too Long Not Enforceable Not Enforceable More Than One Idea More Than One Idea Discriminatory Discriminatory

Clarity Pointers Try to Have 25 words or less per sentence 25 words or less per sentence 12 words or less per punctuated clause 12 words or less per punctuated clause 75 words or less per paragraph 75 words or less per paragraph 200 syllables or less per 100 words 200 syllables or less per 100 words In general, briefs should not exceed 100 words.

General Wording Notes Two or more thoughts in a single resolution shall be avoided Two or more thoughts in a single resolution shall be avoided The use of definitive words shall be avoided (use “seek to” instead of “shall”) The use of definitive words shall be avoided (use “seek to” instead of “shall”) Use of the term “lobby” is discouraged (use “urge”, “ask”, “exert pressure” or “call upon”) Use of the term “lobby” is discouraged (use “urge”, “ask”, “exert pressure” or “call upon”)

Brief Notes Briefs should follow the CPCT Rule (Clear, Positive, Concise, Timely) Briefs should follow the CPCT Rule (Clear, Positive, Concise, Timely) The intent of the resolution must be explained in the brief The intent of the resolution must be explained in the brief Save some of your arguments for Council Floor Save some of your arguments for Council Floor

Words to Remember Verb, Adjective and Adverb List Register Review Reports Authorize Record Address Advises Essential Discuss Alert Necessary Serves Notice Alter Request Proposes Imperative Chronicle Urge (Strongly) Exact Mandatory File Call Upon Implicate Obligatory List Press Account Required Note Exert Pressure Commit Vital Document Insist Impose Compulsory Confer Invite Meet Fix Demand Communicate Ask Need Examine Informs Prescribe

Group Tasks Task 1 - Draft Resolution – whole group Task 1 - Draft Resolution – whole group Task 2 - Background Paper – whole group (see course syllabus for more details) Task 2 - Background Paper – whole group (see course syllabus for more details) Task 3 – Resolution Analysis – individual (Summary of arguments in favour and opposed to one other resolution being presented + recommendation) Task 3 – Resolution Analysis – individual (Summary of arguments in favour and opposed to one other resolution being presented + recommendation)

Council Process Order of Resolution Presentation will be posted after a random draw Order of Resolution Presentation will be posted after a random draw Resolutions and briefs will be projected on the screen prior to and during debate Resolutions and briefs will be projected on the screen prior to and during debate The sponsoring Local will introduce the resolution and have the right to be the first speaker. The sponsoring Local will introduce the resolution and have the right to be the first speaker. Individuals from other Locals may then speak in turn to debate the resolution on the floor. Individuals from other Locals may then speak in turn to debate the resolution on the floor.

Council Process (Continued) No speaker may address the same resolution twice during debate, unless it is to answer a specific question from the floor (with one exception). No speaker may address the same resolution twice during debate, unless it is to answer a specific question from the floor (with one exception). The sponsoring Local and the original speaker have the right to speak last and close the debate The sponsoring Local and the original speaker have the right to speak last and close the debate The Chair will then ask if the House is ready for the question. Members respond “Question”. The Chair will then ask if the House is ready for the question. Members respond “Question”.

Council Process (Continued) The Chair calls the vote. Members vote by raising their Voting Cards. The Chair decides the outcome. The Chair calls the vote. Members vote by raising their Voting Cards. The Chair decides the outcome. A member who disagrees with the Chair’s call of the vote may call “Division”. Delegates will be asked to re-vote with an official count being taken. A member who disagrees with the Chair’s call of the vote may call “Division”. Delegates will be asked to re-vote with an official count being taken.

Amendments Any member may move an amendment to the wording of a resolution. An amendment must be seconded by another delegate. Any member may move an amendment to the wording of a resolution. An amendment must be seconded by another delegate. The Chair will decide if an amendment is in order. Amendments may be ruled out of order if they change the intent of the original resolution. The Chair will decide if an amendment is in order. Amendments may be ruled out of order if they change the intent of the original resolution. The Chair may determine that the amendment is “friendly” in which case it is immediately made with no vote. The Chair may determine that the amendment is “friendly” in which case it is immediately made with no vote.

Amendments (Continued) Debate then focuses on the amendment. Rules for speaking to the amendment are the same as for the resolution Debate then focuses on the amendment. Rules for speaking to the amendment are the same as for the resolution Any speaker may address the amendment and the original resolution once each. Any speaker may address the amendment and the original resolution once each. Observers may take part in the debate after asking permission of the Chair. All rules for speaking apply. Observers may take part in the debate after asking permission of the Chair. All rules for speaking apply.

Speaking Process Two numbered microphones will be placed on the Council floor. Two numbered microphones will be placed on the Council floor. Speakers obtain the floor when the Chair identifies the number of the microphone at which a speaker is standing. Speakers obtain the floor when the Chair identifies the number of the microphone at which a speaker is standing. Before addressing the resolution or amendment, speakers must identify themselves and their Local. Before addressing the resolution or amendment, speakers must identify themselves and their Local. It is recommended that speakers preface their remarks by stating whether they are in favour or opposed to the resolution/amendment. It is recommended that speakers preface their remarks by stating whether they are in favour or opposed to the resolution/amendment.

Speaking Process All remarks are directed to the Chair. All remarks are directed to the Chair. Speakers refrain from directing comments to other council members or identifying previous speakers by name. Speakers refrain from directing comments to other council members or identifying previous speakers by name. Speakers should also refrain from repeating arguments which have been presented on the floor previously. The Chair will remind delegates that only new information should be brought forward by successive speakers. Speakers should also refrain from repeating arguments which have been presented on the floor previously. The Chair will remind delegates that only new information should be brought forward by successive speakers. Avoid rhetorical questions! Avoid rhetorical questions!

Additional Motions and Points Motion to table – This motion ends debate on a resolution either for a specific period of time or indefinitely. It is used to delay or eliminate any action on a resolution. Not debatable except with reference to time Motion to table – This motion ends debate on a resolution either for a specific period of time or indefinitely. It is used to delay or eliminate any action on a resolution. Not debatable except with reference to time Motion to refer – This motion sends a resolution to another group for further study and effectively ends the debate. Debatable. Motion to refer – This motion sends a resolution to another group for further study and effectively ends the debate. Debatable. Point of Order – question of general procedure Point of Order – question of general procedure Parliamentary Inquiry – question of procedure concerning resolution on the floor Parliamentary Inquiry – question of procedure concerning resolution on the floor

Final Questions? Call, , or drop in!