A resolution often consists of one long sentence, divided into clauses, in which the opinion of the writer is reflected. The resolution is proposed to the organization (in this case, the Connecticut State Grange) and then offered to a vote. You as the writer can only request the organization to do something, advise something, or condemn an act.

A purpose of a resolution is to be a statement of the entire group, so phrasing only the thoughts of one person will not work. The aim is to compose a resolution with other delegates to make it acceptable to the majority of the members.

The heading of the resolution

When writing a resolution, you start off with the heading. This consists of a page number (e.g. 'page 2 of 3'), the name of the source (committee or Grange submitting the resolution), the title, the co-submitter if applicable (person who penned the resolution) and the opening.

Usually this heading is repeated every page of the resolution.

Question of (commonly called the subject to which the resolution refers)

The submitter of the resolution has to indicate the issue the resolution is about on top of the resolution.

Preambulatory Clauses

Now the actual resolution starts. This is one long sentence. First you have the preambulatory clauses (pre-am's). These are general statements, preceding the main part of the resolution. If you can name facts that might be essential to the resolution, you put them here. In this part no actions are allowed. After each preambulatory clause a comma is placed. This clause is often started with WHEREAS.

Operative clauses

The operative clauses are the real point of the resolution. Always leave a blank line between two clauses. The operative clauses may be numbered. Remember to place these clauses a little further from the marginal line than the preambulatory clauses. After each operative clause a semi-colon (;) is put, after the last one comes a full stop (.).

Sub points

You can of course use sub points in a clause. Put small letters in front of these clauses. If you want to use sub points within a sub point, you use Roman figures (I, II, III, IV, V, etc.) Remember to indent each time you do this.

The beginning of a clause

You generally start clauses with underlined words. Operative clauses start with a verb in present tense, third person (ending with -es or -s). Sometimes these words appear in combination with adverbs like 'strongly', 'deeply' etc.

Framework of a resolution

Do not make your resolution too complicated or too long. Remember to be precise when taking measures; make sure that a measure can be executed within common sense. Every clause may contain only one aspect of the issue, so it should not become a 'medley' of measures.

Conclusion (or Resolve)

At the end of a resolution you will find a concluding sentence or clause. In it, you express your hope to indicate what action is proposed, come to a resolve, find a solution, or suggest alternatives. The conclusion will often start with THEREFORE. Each resolved clause must be a separate paragraph and may be ended with a period or a semi-colon and in the case of the next to the last clause, be followed by the word "AND".