The manner by which a member, chapter or federation may propose changes 

in NARFE’s legislative program, policies, operations or bylaws is 

through submission of a Bylaw Amendment/Convention Resolution, Form F-3A.  

Chapter leaders should be alert to member concerns and prepare 

resolutions that briefly, yet clearly, depict those concerns and the proposed 

solution.  Some good ideas are rejected because the resolution is not 

well prepared. 

This form can be obtained from National Headquarters by ordering on the 

F-18, downloaded from the National Web Site (www.narfe.org), or 

completed on line through the National Web Site, “National Convention 2006”or 

through “Forms”.  The format varies slightly between the form completed 

on line and the form downloaded, but they contain the same information.  

This form can be used for both National and Federation Conventions.  

For the 2006 National Convention, the form must be submitted to the 

National Secretary no later than June 1, 2006.

The National Secretary will assign properly completed resolutions to 

the appropriate convention committee.  For each resolution referred, a 

National Convention Committee may amend, combine with similar 

resolutions, or prepare a substitute, then recommend adoption, adoption as 

amended, or rejection.

The idea contained within the Resolution must pertain to subjects 

wherein NARFE can exert some influence, such as the national political 

scene.  Do not attempt to correct conditions within your community or state.  

Each Resolution must contain only one subject.

Each Resolution must be typewritten or computer-generated.

There are five parts of the Bylaw Amendment/Convention Resolution, Form 

F-3A, which must be completed; and if there is to be a cost associated 

with the Resolution, there is a Part 6, for you to estimate the 

anticipated cost of implementing the resolution.

1.  SUBJECT – Current bylaw must be cited as your subject by article, 

section and paragraph; or the resolution theme that you seek to 

introduce.  This subject should provide a clear description, as it may be all 

that people see in future descriptions of the resolution.

2.  ADOPTED BY CHAPTER:  The Chapter number, name and state must be 

completed.

3.  FEDERATION ACTION:  Shows whether the delegates at the Federation 

Convention adopted, adopted as amended or rejected the resolution.  This 

would apply to a resolution presented at a Federation Convention and 

then forwarded to the National Convention.  It is not necessary to have a 

resolution submitted through a Federation.

4.  WHEREAS:  Be brief.  Provide enough background information so the 

merits of the resolution are understood clearly. Make sure the facts are 

correct.  Avoid reasons for adoption.  Express proposed action in 

positive terminology that supports NARFE goals.

5.  BE IT RESOLVED:  Should be precise without ambiguous language; make 

sure it can stand by itself without reference to the “WHEREAS” clauses.  

Have someone read it without seeing the “WHEREAS” clauses to make sure 

it makes sense.   For bylaw amendments resolutions should clearly state 

the method of amendment (insert; add; strike out; strike out and 

insert; or substitute) citing both the wording to be changed as well as the 

newly proposed wording.  With resolutions, specify the new action 

sought.  Bylaw Amendment Resolutions shall have only ONE “BE IT RESOLVED” 

clause.  Resolutions failing to meet this requirement will not be 

considered by Headquarters or the National Convention.

6.  ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST:  If there is a cost associated with the 

resolution; identify a reasonable cost for implementation.

From our NARFE National Parliamentarian, Teresa A. Dean, PRP, CPP-T: 

“It has been my observation that the reason a proposed resolution is 

not reported out by committees is not the technicality of construction.  

It is that the resolution is not national in scope or the subject has 

been addressed in a resolution submitted by another chapter or 

federation which is preferred by the committee.  

Below is some information that may be helpful to your chapters.

A resolution is an original main motion which because of its 

importance, length, or complexity is submitted in writing. A resolution usually 

consists of two main parts:

    - a preamble - the "WHEREAS" clause(s).

    - a request for action - the "RESOLVED" clause.

The "WHEREAS" clauses contain the background information and the 

reasons for the resolution.   The "RESOLVED" clause contains the request for 

action.  The “RESOLVED” clause should contain a complete statement, not 

refer to any other clause, and even if all other clauses are removed, 

be clear and understandable.

Resolutions not in order and will not be considered are those that:

    A. Conflict with the Objectives of NARFE as identified in the 

Articles of Incorporation.

    B. Proposed action taken at a previous convention and is still in 

force.

    C. Proposed action that is in conflict with the bylaws.

    D. Direct NARFE to amend their Bylaws, without indicating the 

actual wording of the amendment.

    E. Be incorrectly submitted--NARFE’s instructions were not 

followed.

    F. Merely affirming that a present policy or bylaw be retained.

    G. Propose an action that the need for could not be verified.

    H. Be obviously impractical.”

Remember, NARFE is a grass roots organization and the members have this 

opportunity to improve the bylaws and policy through this resolution 

process. 

If your chapter has a resolution which they want to present, it is in 

the best interest of the chapter to share that resolution with all 

chapters in the district – and even in the Federation to garner support for 

that resolution – the more support within our state the better chance 

for getting the resolution passed at convention.  Networking with other 

Federations is also another method to insure support for your 

resolution.  

Together we can work to make NARFE a stronger and better organization.