Communique #2 – Resolutions
National Chairperson of Resolutions Rolande Chernichan, December 15, 2021
Councils have had the months of autumn to ease into resuming League activities. Whether through virtual gatherings, in-person meetings or by a combination of the two (hybrid meeting), councils have shown determination by offering resolutions workshops, information sessions and leadership training.
The research and preparation of resolutions and briefs is one of the responsibilities of the chairperson of the resolutions standing committee. Chairpersons of resolutions at provincial and diocesan levels share the responsibility to mentor and motivate members to develop resolutions. I have been made aware that some resolutions had been started during the past year and a half of pandemic restrictions. What progress has been achieved? Will the resolutions be ready for presentation and adoption next year? This is a gentle reminder that I would appreciate being informed by mid-January 2022 of the resolutions topics currently being worked on in anticipation of the annual meeting of members in 2022.
Please ask your diocesan counterparts to share the following information with parish councils. There are a few essential things to keep in mind when completing research for a resolution to address a particular issue. More and more, research for resolutions is done using the Internet. Be mindful of the different websites by noting the ending letters of their domain name, i.e. .gov, .org or .com.
Newspapers, magazines, online blogs, editorials, etc., are sources that may be the initial “spark” for the intent of a resolution. However, they are not reliable sources for information to support the point of view that must be brought forth through the brief of the resolution.
It is crucial to verify that the source of information for a resolution is reliable and credible. Fortunately, there are online research screening tools available to assist in evaluating the source of information. For example, the RADAR Framework available from Loyola Marymount University (libguides.lmu.edu/aboutRADAR) to evaluate the online research resources. Another screening tool to assess resources is the CRAAP Test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose) developed by California State University, Chico (researchguides.ben.edu/source-evaluation). Both tests present a series of questions to help determine the quality of research sources.
When composing the brief, the use of “In-text citations (parenthetical references) are the easiest way to identify the source of statistics, direct quotations and ideas… and lead to bibliographic details of the original source material in the Works Cited list” (Resolutions Supplement to the Executive Handbook). Please encourage your diocesan counterparts to remind members that, “The League uses the Modern Language Association (MLA) format… when referencing sources in briefs and works cited. … The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University (owl.purdue.edu) provides instructions for the MLA style guide (click through MLA Formatting and Style Guide)” (ibid).
One of the ways that the envisioned future of the League is realized is through the engagement of members in their combined efforts to research, develop and bring resolutions to fruition. Resolutions exemplify that the League is:
- A vital participant in the church
- A valued partner for social justice
- A respected advocate at all government levels
- Connected to the world.
Being involved in resolutions is a unique ministry and a service to the people of God. Through your efforts, may you receive the blessings of your faith being strengthened, an increase in knowledge that is shared through resolutions and the fulfillment that resolutions speak for many. Hopefully, you also have a bit of fun!
Rolande Chernichan
National Chairperson of Resolutions