Lisa Novak, Resolutions Committee Chair 2013-2014
• Opportunity to advocate for
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.
• 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.
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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.
Resolutions
of
Substance
-Opinions may be
expressed
-Purposes of NSNA
can be implemented
-Directions given for
future action
-Defines NSNA
positions
Courtesy
Resolutions
Emergency
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
Create & Submit using ONLINE submission form by:
FEBRUARY 12, 2014 by 11:59 PM EST.
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Automated confirmation e-mail
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Committee Review: screen for completeness,
alignment with NSNA Bylaws, Feasibility, &
Relevance
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Committee Member Assignment: format/edit, discuss
applicability, adoption strategy, enhancement,
approval, author sign-off, HOD placement
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NEW: Submission process is entirely online
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No hard copies or flash drives are accepted
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Follow the online submission for author
information, checklist, and uploading all
required materials
www.nsna.me/submit-resolution
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FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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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
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Upload:
 ABSTRACT
 COST (Itemized estimated cost)
 CONTACTS (Names, postal mail & email
address, contact names of all organizations,
agencies & individuals cited)
 MAIN FILE (Using provided NSNA template)
 REFERENCES (APA format)
 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS (Highlighted, saved
as Reference #)
Abstract
3-4 sentences about
purpose & intended
outcomes
Resolution
Main File
Use template for
proper formatting
Estimated
Cost
Itemized estimated
cost of
implementation
Contacts
Contact information
for all organizations,
agencies, & individuals
in “Resolved” clauses
List of
References
Reference
Documents
In APA format, all
references used in
“Whereas” statements
Highlighted references
used in “Whereas”
statements
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ABSTRACT: One paragraph summary of
resolution [“This resolution aims to”]
BODY: Five to ten “Whereas” statements &
three to five “Resolved” statements
REFERENCES: Using sixth edition APA
formatting
COST: Breakdown of implementation
IN SUPPORT OF AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ON
JOINING FORCES, AND NURSING EDUCATION ON
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) AND POSTTRAUMATIC 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.”
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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
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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
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Name the issue
Imagining “The NSNA will” in front of the title:
what is the goal of this resolution?
Describe the action—examples:
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“In support of___”
“Increase awareness of___”
“Seek to add___ to nursing curriculum”
“Support policy that___”
“Advocate for___”
Review previous resolutions for wording
suggestions
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5-10 Statements
Evidence Based Information < 5 years old
APA 6th Edition citation required
Direct quotes or paraphrasing from evidence
 Paraphrasing is preferred when multiple sources
support one statement
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Non-amendable by HOD
Less is more: be concise
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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
Less is more!
1.
2.
Finalize Resolution with Committee
House of Delegates:
a) Resolution Hearing
b) Resolutions HOD & Agenda Approval
c) Pro/Con Motions to Adopt Resolution
3.
Delegates: Vote to Adopt Resolution by
50+% majority
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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
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Resolution Roundtables: before & after
Hearings-authors available to review/discuss
resolution with delegates
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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
ADOPTED
RESOLUTION
Part of NSNA
policy agenda
Becomes Integrated Into:
-Convention Program
-Imprint Articles
-Presentations to nursing organizations
-Discussions with policy makers
-Empowering Resolutions Award
“Resolved” clauses
implemented—
guides educational
& action items
TAKE
INITIATIVE!
Meet with Committee
Member by
Appointment
Finalize & sign off—if
not done before
convention
Mandatory Meetings for
Delegates
-Resolutions Hearings
-Parliamentary Briefing
-HOD Meetings
Tuesday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Noon-5:00 pm
7:00-10:00 pm
Friday, April 11, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Wednesday, April 9,
2014
8:00 am-Noon
Author Duties
1) Sign off your
Resolution early
2) Be prepared with
extra copies of
documents for
roundtables
3) Prep for debates
with Pro Statements
& Con Responses
4) Gather support for
your resolutions
5) Attend HOD
sessions
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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
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Changing Policy
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Empowering colleagues
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Leadership opportunity
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Earn awards
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Influence the direction of NSNA
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Influence change in NSNA
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Influence the profession of nursing
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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?
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If you can answer these questions, you can
write a successful resolution!
Email: resolutionschair@nsna.org
Subject: Attention Resolutions Committee
Jezwah Harris,
Carolyn Danielle Battle,
Kathryn Prendergast,
Eric Szemes,
Lisa Novak