Resolutions - Frequently Asked Questions
National PTA's process for adopting, modifying, and rescinding positions of the organization are governed by the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with National PTA bylaws, special rules of order, Articles of Incorporation, or the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1962.
What is a resolution?
What is a Position Statement?
How is a resolution adopted by National PTA?
Who votes on a convention resolution?
Who can submit a convention resolution?
Why submit a convention resolution?
What criteria must each convention resolution meet?
When can an emergency resolution be submitted?
When is a resolution or position statement no longer the position of National PTA?
What is a resolution?
A resolution is an original main motion brought forward in accordance with RONR. Resolutions serve to formalize the positions of the organization on various important and relevant issues. Resolutions are considered by the organization each year at the annual convention. Once a position has been adopted, the organization cannot act in conflict with the position except by first rescinding or amending the position. Resolutions guide the leaders in their actions, and protect the members from having leaders espouse as official positions anything contrary to the organization's views as expressed in the resolutions.
What is a Position Statement?
Position Statements are similar to resolutions in that they serve to formalize the positions of the organization on various important and relevant issues. Position Statements, however, are only adopted by the Board of Directors and are done so only during times when the organization is not meeting as a whole (i.e. annual convention). Position Statements hold the same force of law as a resolution.
How is a resolution adopted by National PTA?
National PTA considers resolutions each year at its annual convention. A convention resolution is brought forward at convention because of its importance, length, or complexity, is submitted in writing, and meets certain criteria (see below).
Who votes on a convention resolution?
Delegates at the Annual National PTA Convention debate and vote on resolutions submitted by local, council, organized district/region, or state PTAs, or by the National PTA Board of Directors.
Who can submit a convention resolution?
Local, council, district/region, or state PTAs, the National PTA Board of Directors, or committees may submit convention resolutions. Convention resolution criteria are the same for all PTA bodies.
Why submit a convention resolution?
National PTA convention resolutions seek to address problems, situations, or concerns that affect children and youth nationwide and, therefore, require nationwide action for solution. As such, convention resolutions are calls for action by National PTA or its constituent bodies (state, district, council, or local PTAs).
What criteria must each convention resolution meet?
- Each convention resolution submitted to National PTA is subject to consideration by the Convention Resolution Committee.
- A convention resolution may be rejected by the National PTA Board of Directors in accordance to the District of Columbia Code, Subsection 29-301.16, if it is deemed to be not in the best interest of the organization.
- All convention resolutions must be received in the National PTA office by December 15. (In the event that the 15th falls on the weekend, the convention resolution will be accepted on the next business day. Convention resolutions received after the deadline will not be presented at that year's national convention). Facsimile (faxes) or electronic mail (e-mail) will not be accepted.
- Early submission is encouraged. In the event that parts of the resolution or background information are missing you can be notified, or should fine-tuning be needed, a committee member can work with you so that your submission can be made before the deadline date.
- Submitters must be available to work with the convention resolutions special committee to make necessary changes to meet these criteria.
- Conform to all parts of the substantive criteria.
When can an emergency resolution be submitted?
Emergency resolutions may be submitted only if the urgency of the subject matter has arisen after the established deadline. They must conform to all established criteria, be approved by the Resolutions Committee, and be approved for consideration by a two-thirds vote of the delegates in order to be eligible for consideration. If an emergency resolution is approved by the Resolutions Committee, the submitting group must provide enough copies for the entire convention body and must deliver them to the National PTA convention office on the first day of convention.
When is a resolution or position statement no longer the position of National PTA?
RONR, to which National PTA's bylaws defer parliamentary authority, states that a resolution is considered the position of the organization until such time as it has been rescinded. Rescinding requires a vote of the body that originally adopted the measure, in National PTA's case, the national convention delegates. Simply "retiring" a resolution or calling it "historical" does not formally nor legally change a resolution's status.
It should be noted that rescinding does not mean that the position is viewed to never have been a position of National PTA. When a resolution is rescinded, it is not removed from the historical record. Rescind only terminates the official force behind the action. The only way to wipe a position from the historical record is to "expunge" that position. National PTA has rescinded resolutions but has never expunged any. Click here to view a list of National PTA rescinded resolutions.
For further information on any resolution, position statement, or the resolution process, please contact the Programs and Public Policy Office.
