Writing a Resolution What is a RESOLUTION RESOLUTION

Writing a Resolution �What is a RESOLUTION? �RESOLUTION is a formal document expressing the sentiment of the Legislature

Creating an Idea Look around your Community �What do you see? �What problems need fixing? �What can be done better? Follow the News �Papers and Magazines �Websites �TV and Radio

Your Turn What are some problems that you see? Where do you see a need?

Taking Action - What? What will solve the problem that you have identified?

Taking Action - How? How will the problem be solved?

Taking Action - Who? Who can solve the problem? - OR Or who can implement your idea?

Your Turn What ? How ? Who ?

Research

Research News media Magazines Google Industry Websites Newspapers Scholarly Journals Government Websites

Writing Your Reso Parts of the Resolution: �PROPOSAL or title �WHEREAS statements �BE IT RESOLVED statement

Writing Your Reso CONCERNING �Title of your resolution �Brief statement of the solution to the problem.

CONCERNING – Example: CONCERNING: Increasing the Availability and Safe Use of Bicycle Lanes in Hawaii

Writing your Reso – WHEREAS �Statements supporting your proposal �Should be accurate, based in fact, and relevant �Start broad, and narrow down �Use facts and figures from authoritative sources �Be convincing – your proposal deserves action �At least 5 WHEREAS statements

WHEREAS Example Start with broad statements: WHEREAS, bicycling is an activity that contributes to efficient transportation, a cleaner environment, and healthier lifestyles; and Narrow down: WHEREAS, bicycle paths and bike lanes are a significant part of urban transportation in many large cities in the United States, such as Madison, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon; and

WHEREAS Example Keep narrowing: WHEREAS, 100 million Americans already own a bicycle, and 10 percent of trips taken in the United States are by bicycle or walking; and WHEREAS, if this number of bike trips increased to thirteen percent, 33 million miles of driving would be reduced, leading to less crowded roads and highways; and

WHEREAS Example More facts… WHEREAS, if only thirteen percent of trips each year were taken by bicycle, 3. 8 billion gallons of gasoline would be saved, and 33 million tons of CO 2 emissions would not enter the atmosphere; and WHEREAS, in addition to transportation and environmental benefits, bicycling is good exercise that provides health benefits to riders, such as reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease; and

WHEREAS Example Narrow to fit scope of your proposal… WHEREAS, it is the State’s policy to preserve Hawaii’s natural environment by reducing carbon emissions throughout Hawaii and find efficient alternative to gasoline and other fossil fuels; and WHEREAS, Hawaii’s streets and highways are plagued with gridlock due to the high number of cars using the State’s streets and highways; and

WHEREAS Example Narrow to fit scope of your proposal… WHEREAS, Hawaii’s population suffers from high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease; and WHEREAS, Hawaii’s warm climate makes biking and bicycle commuting possible year-round; and Last one…make your case ! WHEREAS, Hawaii would see transportation benefits, environmental benefits, and health benefits from an increase in the number and safe use of bicycle paths and lanes in the State; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED �What should be done, and who should do it �Use words like URGE, RECOMMEND, REQUEST �Who is the resolution directed to? The Governor? Legislature? Department of Health?

BE IT RESOLVED Example Tell them what you want them to do ! BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2011 Hawaii Secondary Student Conference requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to increase the number of safe bicycling paths and lanes throughout Hawaii; and

BE IT RESOLVED Example Another paragraph if more action is needed BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Transportation is urged create driver and biker education programs to improve the safety of bicyclists in Hawaii; and

BE IT RESOLVED Example Last paragraph – who gets your proposal. It should go to the departments or people who have the power to implement it BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be forwarded to the Director of Transportation.

Writing a Resolution Any Questions?