Resolutions

One way NCTE members foster change is through resolutions. NCTE past parliamentarian Erika Lindemann offers this explanation of what resolutions are all about:

A resolution is a formal statement whereby the members of an organization express their views, affirm important decisions, celebrate their leaders, or inform the public about issues that matter to NCTE members.

It is a kind of motion, discussed and voted on at the NCTE Annual Convention each November and subsequently ratified by NCTE members. Resolutions have a specific, conventional two-part form consisting of one or more (optional) “Whereas” clauses and one or more “Be It Resolved” clauses that denote actions that the organization wants to undertake. Resolutions differ from sense-of-the-house motions in terms of their length, how they are handled once they are submitted, and who approves them.

NCTE resolutions are powerful because they establish educational policy for the Council. They can address a range of topics; however, they cannot urge actions that go against the NCTE Constitution, that contradict established policies, or that jeopardize the organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Once approved, resolutions become position statements that express NCTE values, establish priorities, and sometimes determine the allocation of resources. For this reason, they are submitted and processed according to specific guidelines.

A call for resolutions initiates the process. Any group of at least five NCTE members can submit a resolution by the deadline announced in the call. The resolution is then referred to the NCTE Committee on Resolutions, which meets around the time of the Annual Convention, holds an open hearing, may combine and revise resolutions or initiate its own resolutions, and makes the final decision about which resolutions will be considered at the Annual Business Meeting of the Boards of Directors and other Members of the Council. Resolutions approved at the meeting are submitted to the entire membership for ratification. Once ratified, they become official NCTE position statements that go to the Executive Committee and NCTE staff for implementation.

When a resolution is ratified it signals to members and the wider education community that these issues are top concerns. Most resolutions also come with research about and suggested solutions to the problem. As such, a resolution is a tool you can use as an educator to advocate for these issues, knowing you have the backing of a national organization in your stance.