1. Writing Resolutions: Impacting the Future of Nursing
Lisa Novak, Resolutions Committee Chair

2. Why Resolutions?
Opportunity to advocate for nursing students, the profession, the community.
Ability to voice matters of importance to NSNA, its members, constituent associations, nursing, and health needs of the public.
Resolutions give students the ability to transform nursing issues into policy through political action.

3. What is a Resolution?
An official written position statement forming the basis for policies and actions of the NSNA.
Evidence-based call to action.
Presented and adopted at the HOD at convention.

4. Scope of Resolutions Resolutions should be: national in scope
relevant to nursing practice
feasible for NSNA to implement
fall within the purposes and functions stated in the NSNA Bylaws and Mission.

5. Resolutions of Substance Emergency Resolutions
Types of Resolutions
-To communicate recognition for contributions made to NSNA by groups or individuals
Resolutions of Substance
Courtesy Resolutions
-Topics which arise subsequent to the resolutions deadline date
-Address urgent & immediate issues
Emergency Resolutions
-Opinions may be expressed
-Purposes of NSNA can be implemented
-Directions given for future action
-Defines NSNA positions

6. Submission Process FEBRUARY 12, 2014 by 11:59 PM EST.
Create & Submit using ONLINE submission form by:
FEBRUARY 12, 2014 by 11:59 PM EST.
Automated confirmation
Committee Review: screen for completeness, alignment with NSNA Bylaws, Feasibility, & Relevance
Committee Member Assignment: format/edit, discuss applicability, adoption strategy, enhancement, approval, author sign-off, HOD placement
-Use online submission form (“Submission Procedures” page 11); physical hard copies/flash drives are no longer accepted
-Automated sent immediately after clicking “submit” in the online resolution submission form
-NSNA Staff staff reviews resolutions & notifies authors if resolution is incomplete—must meet requirements within 5 business days of notification
-Initial review by staff may take up to 15 business days
-Committee Review for: complete documentation; alignment with NSNA Bylaws, Feasibility & Legal implications; Relevance/prior resolutions previously adopted by the NSNA
-Assigned to Resolutions Committee Member: to assist author with formatting/minor editing; answering questions about feasibility & applicibility; strategies for successful adoption & enhancement

7. Online Submission Form
NEW: Submission process is entirely online
No hard copies or flash drives are accepted
Follow the online submission for author information, checklist, and uploading all required materials
FEBRUARY 12, 2014

8. Forming a Resolutions Committee
Send an out to students inviting them to get involved
Appoint a legislative director if possible
Hold a meeting explaining writing, submitting, and presenting resolutions
Opportunity to build a professional resume

9. Author’s Responsibilities
Upload:
ABSTRACT
COST (Itemized estimated cost)
CONTACTS (Names, postal mail & address, contact names of all organizations, agencies & individuals cited)
MAIN FILE (Using provided NSNA template)
REFERENCES (APA format)
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS (Highlighted, saved as Reference #)

10. Required Submission Components
Estimated Cost
Itemized estimated cost of implementation
Abstract
3-4 sentences about purpose & intended outcomes
Contacts
Contact information for all organizations, agencies, & individuals in “Resolved” clauses
Resolution Main File
Use template for proper formatting
List of References
In APA format, all references used in “Whereas” statements
Reference Documents
Highlighted references used in “Whereas” statements

11. Building Your Resolution
ABSTRACT: One paragraph summary of resolution [“This resolution aims to”]
BODY: Five to ten “Whereas” statements & three to five “Resolved” statements
REFERENCES: Using sixth edition APA formatting
COST: Breakdown of implementation

12. Example: Resolution Abstract
IN SUPPORT OF AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ON JOINING FORCES, AND NURSING EDUCATION ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) AND POST- TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Villanova University, Villanova PA Ex.: “…Joining Forces is a national White House initiative that includes, in its mission, to expand healthcare and wellness services to active and retired military service members and their families. This resolution supports nursing education on PTSD and TBI, as well as awareness and education on the mission of Joining Forces.”

13. Resolution Format RESOLUTION TITLE
Submitting Chapter, Chapter Location
Submitting Authors
5-10 “Whereas” Statements
3-5 “Resolved” Statements
Use the Main File Template on the Resolution site

14. Resolution Topic Review
Choose a topic and review past 5 years of Resolution adoptions
Resolution Reaffirmation: duplication of adopted resolution within the last 5 years
Not recommended and may be rejected
First “Whereas” statement must reference original resolution
Revisiting a topic must have significant change in the status of an issue, new research or information
Reaffirmation must have a significant change in the status

15. Writing a Title Name the issue
Imagining “The NSNA will” in front of the title: what is the goal of this resolution?
Describe the action—examples:
“In support of___”
“Increase awareness of___”
“Seek to add___ to nursing curriculum”
“Support policy that___”
“Advocate for___”
Review previous resolutions for wording suggestions
Short and effective cannot be changed once in the HOD

16. Writing “Whereas” Statements
Evidence Based Information < 5 years old
APA 6th Edition citation required
Direct quotes or paraphrasing from evidence
Paraphrasing is preferred when multiple sources support one statement
Non-amendable by HOD
Less is more: be concise
Peer reviewed journals & studies - recommended

17. Writing “Resolved Statements”
First statement: position/initial action
Following statements: subsequent actions
Final statement: “send a copy of this resolution to…” & include a list of organizations affected by or who would be interested in the NSNA position
Amendable by majority vote in HOD

18. Less is more!

19. Sample Resolution

20. Sample Resolution

21. Sample References & Cost

22. Passing a Resolution at Convention
Finalize Resolution with Committee
House of Delegates:
Resolution Hearing
Resolutions HOD & Agenda Approval
Pro/Con Motions to Adopt Resolution
Delegates: Vote to Adopt Resolution by 50+% majority

23. Resolution Hearings
Resolution Introduction: to the delegates by the authors in an informal hearing
Editorial changes may be made:
“Resolved” statements: debatable
Titles & “Whereas” Statements: not debatable
Resolution Roundtables: before & after Hearings-authors available to review/discuss resolution with delegates
Authors, delegates, and delegate alternates must be present
Titles/Whereas Statements: can only be changed for grammatical/formatting issues

24. House of Delegates & Formal Debate
Motions are made to adopt resolutions-put before HOD
Authors begin the formal debate-speaking pro
Amendments for “Resolved” statements are submitted and voted on
Alternating Pro & Con statement debate
Final voting-needs 50% majority to be adopted
Attend “Amending the Amendment” Forum & reference “Robert’s Rules of Order” in the NSNA Business Book for more information

25. What Happens to an Adopted Resolution?
“Resolved” clauses implemented—guides educational & action items
Part of NSNA policy agenda
ADOPTED RESOLUTION
Becomes Integrated Into:
-Convention Program
-Imprint Articles
-Presentations to nursing organizations
-Discussions with policy makers
-Empowering Resolutions Award
TAKE INITIATIVE!

26. Duties at Convention Sign off your Resolution early
Meet with Committee Member by Appointment
Finalize & sign off—if not done before convention
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Noon-5:00 pm
7:00-10:00 pm
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
8:00 am-Noon
Mandatory Meetings for Delegates
-Resolutions Hearings
-Parliamentary Briefing
-HOD Meetings
Tuesday, April 10, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Author Duties
Sign off your Resolution early
Be prepared with extra copies of documents for roundtables
Prep for debates with Pro Statements & Con Responses
Gather support for your resolutions
Attend HOD sessions

27. Successful Resolutions
Be Concise: Resolutions that are too wordy do not get the attention they deserve.
Be Realistic: Including specific actions that can be implemented by NSNA
Be Positive: Use positive statements
Be Knowledgeable: Know facts about all areas of your resolution & be aware of previous similar passed resolutions
Gather Support & Assistance: Involve your school/state in getting your resolution passed; share evidence & answer questions
Use Microphone Time Wisely: Speak to your resolution including information not stated in your “whereas” statements
Be Available: Before & during convention—attend all hearings & table opportunities
Have Documentation Handy: At all times to answer questions
Read Guidelines for Planning Resolutions Handbook: To best understand the resolutions process

28. Value Authoring a Resolution
Changing Policy
Empowering colleagues
Leadership opportunity
Earn awards
Influence the direction of NSNA
Influence change in NSNA
Influence the profession of nursing

29. Want To Write A Resolution But Confused?
Answer these questions:
What is the issue or problem that you want to address?
Why is it important to nursing students and the nursing community?
What do you want NSNA to do about it?
If you can answer these questions, you can write a successful resolution!

30. Contacting the Resolutions Committee
Subject: Attention Resolutions Committee Jezwah Harris, Carolyn Danielle Battle, Kathryn Prendergast, Eric Szemes, Lisa Novak