Writing Resolutions : Impacting the Future of Nursing

1. Lisa Novak, Resolutions Committee Chair 2013-2014 Writing Resolutions: Impacting the Future of Nursing

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

6. Submission Process • Create & Submit using ONLINE submission form by: FEBRUARY 12, 2014by 11:59 PM EST. • Automated confirmation e-mail • 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

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 • www.nsna.me/submit-resolution • FEBRUARY 12, 2014

8. Forming a Resolutions Committee • Send an e-mail 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 & email address, contact names of all organizations, agencies & individuals cited) • MAINFILE(Using provided NSNA template) • REFERENCES (APA format) • REFERENCEDOCUMENTS(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 Reference Documents Highlighted references used in “Whereas” statements List of References In APA format, all 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 sixthedition 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

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

16. Writing “Whereas” Statements • 5-10Statements • Evidence Based Information< 5 years old • APA6th Edition citation required • Directquotes or paraphrasingfrom evidence • Paraphrasing is preferredwhen multiple sources support one statement • Non-amendableby HOD • Less is more: beconcise

17. Writing “Resolved Statements” • 3-5 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

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 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 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

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 • Empoweringcolleagues • 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 Email: resolutionschair@nsna.org Subject: Attention Resolutions Committee Jezwah Harris, Carolyn Danielle Battle, Kathryn Prendergast, Eric Szemes, Lisa Novak