Resolution or matter for discussion?
2. Resolution or matter for discussion?
It’s important to be clear about the difference, as how your topic is debated determines what action will take place after Congress.
Resolutions
Resolutions ask Congress to decide something and often includes a call for action. They use words such as ‘ask’, ‘decide’, ‘calls on’ or ‘shows support’. For example:
- That this meeting of RCN Congress asks Council to lobby…
- That this meeting of RCN Congress decides to…
- That RCN Congress calls on governments to change…
- That RCN Congress publicly shows support for…
Matters for discussion
Matters for discussion are straightforward requests for a discussion about an issue and the wording reflects this using terms such as ‘discusses’, ‘reflects on’ or ‘considers. For example:
- That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses…
- That this meeting of RCN Congress reflects on…
- That RCN Congress considers…
Remember that matters for discussion often pinpoint emerging issues and act as the catalyst for further thinking and debate, which could come back to a future meeting of Congress as a resolution and impact on the future work of the RCN.
Go to step 3 - Getting your words in order
