Writing a Resolution

(This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine)

A resolution is a formal, written statement of opinion, decision, or intent made by members at the local or state level, which is then submitted for consideration and approval at official meetings, like state or national conventions. With the APWU National Convention convening in August 2026, many locals and states may want to submit a resolution, but do not know the proper procedure.

Difference Between Resolutions and Motions

Motions are proposals made orally at meetings and must receive a “second” from a member agreeing that the proposal needs to be debated to move forward. They are debated and acted upon at that meeting. They cannot be preceded by discussion. The maker speaks only after the motion is made, seconded, and the chair calls for discussion, and a vote is taken.

Resolutions are also motions. In the APWU, resolutions are submitted online by either a local or state president, secretary, or secretary-treasurer and de-bated at conventions and conferences. In a resolution, discussion occurs first, in the WHEREAS. The motion follows in the RESOLVE. Resolutions are submitted to a committee. The Resolutions Committee may combine similar resolutions, suggest minor language changes, propose substitutions, and recommend adoption or rejection of the resolution to convention delegates.

Writing Resolutions

A resolution consists of two parts: the “argument” and the “proposal” of action. The first part begins with the “WHEREAS”, which should be capitalized; there can be many. The WHEREAS explains why the resolution should be adopted. It should be specific but not too lengthy and include facts, statistics, and background information.

The second part is preceded by Resolved, which is bold. The first Resolved is preceded by: (a) therefore, be it re-solved; (b) the second Resolved is preceded by, and be it further resolved (there can be many); (c) each other Resolved is preceded by be it further resolved, and (d) the last Resolved becomes, and be it finally resolved. All resolves should be clear, concise, specific, and realistic, and include an implementation clause so that it is known what must be done, by whom, and when.

Resolutions must include a title, normally capitalized and bold, that clearly states what the resolution is about, and the name(s) of the locals or states, or the committee submitting it.

This is a basic guide on writing a resolution. A sampe resolution is below. It is my hope that it assists local and state unions.

Good luck!