How to Write a Policy Resolution for the AFSA Constitutional Convention
As we prepare for the upcoming AFSA Constitutional Convention, it’s essential to craft policy resolutions that reflect our collective goals and advocate for meaningful changes within our educational systems. A policy resolution is a formal proposal that outlines a specific course of action or policy change. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a clear and impactful resolution that will be considered during the convention:
1. Title
The title should clearly convey the issue the resolution addresses and align with AFSA’s mission and goals. Keep it concise but informative.
Example:
- Resolution to Strengthen Leadership Development Programs for School Administrators
2. Preamble (Whereas Statements)
The preamble explains why the issue is important and why action is necessary, setting the stage for the resolution. In each “Whereas” statement, you should provide relevant background information, data, and evidence to support the need for action.
Structure:
- Start each statement with “Whereas.”
- Provide the background, facts, or research that highlights the importance of the issue.
- Discuss the broader implications of inaction or failure to address the problem.
Example:
- Whereas, school leaders are facing increasing challenges due to rising administrative responsibilities and shrinking resources,
- Whereas, research indicates that strong leadership development programs are critical for improving school outcomes and supporting the professional growth of administrators,
- Whereas, existing leadership programs are underfunded and often lack the resources necessary to meet the needs of our school leaders,
- Therefore, urgent action is required to address these deficiencies.
3. Resolution (Resolved Statements)
The “Resolved” section is where you clearly state the action or policy change you’re proposing. This section should be straightforward, clear, and actionable. These actions will be put forward to the AFSA membership during the Constitutional Convention.
Structure:
- Start each statement with “Resolved.”
- Clearly define the specific action or policy change being proposed.
- If necessary, specify who is responsible for carrying out the action.
Example:
- Resolved, that AFSA will advocate for increased federal and state funding for leadership development programs that directly support school administrators,
- Resolved, that AFSA will establish a task force to develop a comprehensive strategy for improving existing professional development opportunities for school leaders,
- Resolved, that AFSA will lobby for policies that reduce administrative burdens on school leaders, enabling them to focus more on instructional leadership.
4. Implementation (Optional)
In this section, outline the practical steps for implementing the resolution, including timelines, responsible parties, or the process for follow-up. This can be especially important when advocating for systemic changes within education.
Example:
- The implementation of this resolution will be overseen by the AFSA Executive Committee, with progress updates to be shared at the next Constitutional Convention.
5. Signature and Date
If the resolution is being formally submitted for review during the Constitutional Convention, include a space for signatures and the submission date.
Example:
- Submitted by: [Your Name]
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Endorsed by: [List of Names/Groups Supporting the Resolution]
Tips for Writing an Effective Policy Resolution for the AFSA Constitutional Convention:
- Be Specific: Clearly define the action you want AFSA to take on behalf of its members.
- Use Data and Evidence: Back up your resolution with facts or research that show why this issue is critical to AFSA’s mission.
- Be Concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that could dilute the resolution’s message.
- Focus on Solutions: Propose concrete, achievable steps that can be realistically implemented at the local, state, or national level.
- Ensure Actionability: The resolution should include a clear and direct call to action for AFSA and its members.
As we prepare for the AFSA Constitutional Convention, your resolution should reflect the collective needs and priorities of AFSA members, advocating for policy changes that improve the professional development and working conditions of school administrators across the nation. By drafting thoughtful, clear, and actionable policy resolutions, we can move toward achieving meaningful improvements in education leadership.
