The deadline to submit resolutions for consideration by the 2021 virtual ISMA House of Delegates is a little more than two weeks away, on Monday, July 12. Introducing a resolution is an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference for your profession and your patients, since resolutions that are adopted at convention can drive ISMA’s public policy and legislative agenda, determine ISMA’s formal position on issues, or make structural and process changes to our organization.

This year, we’re pleased to be able to use new technologies to expand opportunities for members to review and comment on resolutions before the virtual convention, as well as during convention at the House of Delegates meeting. This aligns with our strategic priority to improve efficiency through innovation and will enable more members to participate in ISMA’s policy making process than in the past.

The deadline to submit resolutions is Monday, July 12. Once staff has reviewed the resolutions, they will be made available for review and comments from any ISMA member according to the following timeline (dates may be subject to adjustment). 

JULY 12		Resolution submissions close (per Bylaws)
JULY 13		2-week staff review period begins
JULY 26		Resolutions posted online for comments
AUGUST 15		Comments on resolutions close
AUGUST 23		Preliminary reference committee reports posted online for comments
SEPTEMBER 5		Comments on preliminary reference committee reports close
SEPTEMBER 11		Convention: Reference committees hear virtual testimony on preliminary reference committee reports
SEPTEMBER 11		Convention: Final reference committee reports posted online
SEPTEMBER 12		Convention: House of Delegates meets; voting on resolutions

Resolution writing tips
Please follow these guidelines to minimize the need for amendments:

• Determine an action or position you would like ISMA to take and state it and the reasons succinctly.
• Research current policy on your issue.
• Write a short title.
• Include names of members introducing the resolution.
• Write one or more “Whereas” statements to explain the issue and each reason the ISMA should act. Each “Whereas” statement should include only a single point.
• Conclude with one or more “Resolved” statements. Each “resolved” statement should state a clear, specific action plan for what you want ISMA to do. It must also stand on its own – it must include all information necessary to be understood by someone with no prior knowledge of the issue and without reference to the “Whereas” statements. 

Please read our detailed guidelines before drafting your resolution. ISMA staff members are also available to help with questions about resolutions.

Submit your resolution
Resolutions may be submitted using our online form or by emailing them to Rhonda Bennett.