Turning Your Ideas Into Actions

A resolution is a formal request or action that is presented to the House of Delegates for consideration. Delegates present discussion for or against a specific resolution, then the House votes to determine the outcome.

Examples of resolutions can include:

Resolution writing may seem daunting but if you follow these easy steps, you’ll be on your way to making your mark on ASDA.

Deadlines

All resolutions need to be submitted to resolutions@asdanet.org to be considered.

Resolutions submitted by Jan. 8, 2027 will be considered by the Board of Trustees for comments. Any resolutions seeking to amend the Bylaws must be submitted by Jan. 8.

All resolutions must be submitted before the start of the first House of Delegates session on Feb. 12.

Writing Your Resolution
1 - Do some research
Review ASDA’s Current Statements on Position or Policy – there might already be a policy in place that captures what you want to do (or you might find a similar policy that you believe needs a revision).
2 - Draft your resolution
3 - Reach out the Speaker of the House.
  • The job of the Speaker of the House is to assist with drafting resolutions that not only achieve your objective but help delegates understand what they are voting on. Reach out to the Speaker via email at speaker@asdanet.org.
  • All resolutions are reviewed by the Speaker of the House. The Speaker will provide comments and suggestions for you to consider. Once you and the Speaker agree that the resolution is final, it will be submitted for processing.
  • If submitted by Jan. 8, your resolution goes to the Board of Trustees for comment. The Board is elected to manage the administration of the association in between House of Delegates meetings. They have knowledge and perspective that can be helpful to delegates.
  • The Board of Trustees provides a comment and a vote recommendation. This is consistent with other associations that have a House of Delegates, including the American Dental Association.
4 - Your resolution is assigned to a reference committee.
  • At Annual Session, your resolution will be assigned to a reference committee. Reference committees are tasked with reviewing each resolution before it is voted on at the House. The reference committees are comprised of an executive committee member, trustees and delegate reviewers from each district.
  • Resolutions will be presented at Annual Session during reference committee hearings. All attendees have the opportunity to comment on resolutions during these hearings. Resolution authors are strongly encouraged to attend the hearings.
  • Reference committees deliberate after reference committee hearings and consider the testimony provided at the hearing before making their recommendation. They may offer revisions or substitutions, consistent with other associations that have a House of Delegates, including the American Dental Association.
5 - Your resolution is voted on by the House.
  • Delegates from every chapter will discuss, debate and vote on the resolution in the House of Delegates.