Delegate Assembly (DA)
MAPE Resolutions and Proposals
MAPE members can make their voices heard by submitting resolutions and proposals. Using the template at the bottom of this page, members with ideas for changes to MAPE’s Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Election Rules can craft their arguments and propose language to amend these documents.
What is the difference between a resolution and a proposal?
A resolution can change MAPE’s Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Election Rules, whereas a proposal may only change Policies and Election Rules. Delegate Assembly reviews resolutions, and the Board of Directors review proposals. Resolutions must be submitted by the applicable deadline (see the timeline below), whereas proposals may be submitted at any time of year.
When might it be more appropriate to propose a resolution vs. a proposal?
Any request to amend MAPE’s Constitution or Election Rules must take the form of a resolution. Any submission which may be a resolution or proposal is at the discretion of the author; however, proposals can generally be considered more quickly by the Board of Directors, which meets monthly, than resolutions that must be considered at the annual Delegate Assembly. An author may wish to consider a proposal if their idea is technical in nature or has a limited impact, and an author may wish to consider a resolution if their idea would have a substantial impact across the union.
Who can submit Resolutions and Proposals?
The following may submit resolutions and proposals:
- Two or more members
- Local and statewide executive committees
- Locals
- Statewide standing committees identified in the Bylaws
- Board of Directors
- Board of Trustees
What review goes into resolutions and proposals?
Resolutions and proposals are submitted to the Constitution & Rules Committee (C&R) for initial review, where they are checked for:
- Formatting: MAPE policies require the use of the legislative format, complete with strikethroughs of language proposed for removal and underlines for new language. The template offers a table which allows the author to present the version of their submission with strikethroughs/underlines and a corresponding “clean” version showing how they want the language to appear in MAPE’s governing documents and policies. An example of language in the legislative format can be found in the template.
- Administrability: The C&R considers whether a submission could actually be implemented if passed.
- Conflicting Language: The C&R checks to see if the submission conflicts with preexisting governing documents or policies, statutes, laws, Standing Rules, or within the submission itself.
Once the author amends the submission, C&R will refer it to relevant MAPE committees for their review. Upon receiving feedback from these committees, C&R may provide additional feedback to authors and request further edits. C&R will then prepare a final recommendation for the Executive Committee, which will vote to forward the resolution to Delegate Assembly or to the Board of Directors for proposals.
Which Bylaws and Policies codify C&R’s role in reviewing resolutions?
Article 6, Section 2 of the bylaws, the Standing Rules, and Delegate Assembly policies provides the basis for C&R’s resolution review authority.
What is the 2026 Resolution Timeline?
The 2026 resolution timeline may be found below:
- January 1, 2026: Resolution applications open.
- January 28: Resolution/proposal writing training (12 – 1 p.m.)
- April 15: Initial resolution deadline
- Resolutions submitted by this day are guaranteed review and feedback from C&R with referrals to relevant committees.
- C&R will make a reasonable attempt to provide timely feedback, revision requests, and committee referrals for resolutions submitted after this date.
- June 15: Final resolution deadline
- This deadline applies to both initial submissions and revised drafts
- July 1: C&R Final Recommendation Day
- For resolutions that have not already receive a “ready for debate” recommendation, this tentative day is when C&R will develop final recommendations for the Executive Committee’s review.
- July 10: Executive Committee Final Determination Day
- For resolutions that have not already received a determination from the Executive Committee, this day is when the Executive Committee will review final pending C&R recommendations and make final determinations. Authors will be invited to this meeting.
- July 17: Board of Directors Final Appeals Day
- For resolution rejections that have not already been appealed, this is the final day when the Board may consider an appeal.
- August 3: Resolution Forum #1 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Authors will provide overviews of their resolutions.
- August 19: Resolution Forum #2 (12 PM – 1 PM)
- August 19: Deadline for resolutions seeking to change the bylaws to be posted online.
- September 18-19: Delegate Assembly
Where can I send resolutions and proposals?
Please send completed resolutions and proposals to MAPECRCommittee@mape.org.
Why can’t I use Track Changes in Microsoft Word?
While Track Changes makes it look as if you used underlines and strikethroughs, Track Changes does not copy and paste correctly. Also, if you make a change and then undo the change, Track Changes records and presents both actions instead of canceling the first action.
What if I have questions or need assistance with writing my Resolution or Proposal?
You may reach out to any member of the C&R at MAPECRCommittee@mape.org. You can find a list of current C&R members here.