Congress of Delegates

The Maryland Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors and AAFP Delegation invites members to submit resolutions for consideration to the AAFP Congress of Delegates.

Submissions are OPEN!

All resolutions must be submitted to the MDAFP office in the resolution format no later than July 1st 2026.

The Board of Directors will make the final determination as to whether to submit the resolution to the Congress of Delegates on behalf of the MDAFP.

Due to a shift to a virtual format for the Congress of Delegates this year, resolutions must be submitted by a state chapter. Resolution submissions from individual members will not be considered.

SUBMIT RESOLUTION

To be considered, resolutions must meet the following criteria:

Only resolutions of an exigent nature to AAFP policy will be considered (exigent is defined as ‘pressing, demanding and requiring of immediate action’).
Each Chapter can submit up to two (2) resolutions for consideration. Resolutions submitted by more than one chapter will be applied to the lead chapter’s maximum.
- If MDAFP receives more than two (2) resolutions, our COD Delegation and Board of Directors will decide which to submit to the Congress.
Once the submission deadline has passed, no late resolutions will be accepted except those of an emergent nature that are due to events that occur after the deadline, as determined by the Speaker and Board Chair. Resolutions meeting these criteria cannot exceed the maximum of two (2) resolutions per chapter.
Since resolutions must be exigent to be considered in this special session and this stipulates chapter consideration, no individual member resolutions will be considered.
If the Speakers, in consultation with the Rules Committee, determine that a submitted resolution reflects current policy, and therefore would not be of an exigent nature, the resolution will not be considered. These resolutions can be resubmitted at a future COD for consideration as per the standing rules for a regular COD meeting.

How to Write a Resolution

Prepared from materials provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians

Goals of Resolution

Inform
Educate
Inspire to take action

Tips to Keep in Mind When Drafting A Resolution

Each resolution must have a:

Title: Clear, concise and convey general idea of the topic of the resolution
WHEREAS clauses: Identifies and explains the problem/issue being addressed and must be factual
RESOLVED clauses: States the action being proposed that addresses problems/issues identified in whereas clauses. One action or recommendation is contained in one resolved clause

Give special attention to the following:

Limit the number of “whereas” clauses to a minimum required to provide reasonable support for the resolved clause(s) – keep the resolution to one page
Research to check the facts and verify data used
Limit the use of adjectives and qualifying adverbs and focus on essentials
Do not use jargon
Use formal language
Avoid using acronyms Resolved clause must stand alone – this is the only part that remains if the resolution is adopted
- Do not use pronouns that refer to the statements in the whereas clauses
- Do not direct another entity to take action
- Keep clauses short and concise
- Address one issue at a time in each resolution and resolved clause

Before submitting a resolution, weigh the merits of your proposal by considering:

Is this issue/topic of special interest to many or just a few?
Is the recommendation within the scope or authority of the AAFP?
Is the recommendation relevant to the AAFP’s strategic priorities?
Does the recommendation have cost implications for the AAFP?
Has the issue already been addressed by the National Conference of Constituency Leaders or the Congress of Delegates?
Is the AAFP currently addressing the issue/topic?

Sample Format of a Resolution

WHEREAS, This is the part of the resolution that explains the issue or problem, and

WHEREAS, each resolution should address only one issue or problem, and

WHEREAS, each “Whereas” clause addresses only one fact, idea or supporting argument, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the resolved clause is the part of the resolution that restates the basic issue or problem and proposes a solution to the issue identified in the “Whereas” clauses, and be it further

RESOLVED, That each “Resolved” clause should stand alone to address a separate action to be taken or solution proposed.

Process After Resolutions are Written

NCCL uses reference committees to facilitate its work
Resolutions must go through a reference committee to be acted on by each conference
Five members are appointed as Chairs of reference committees

Example 1

Title: Ensuring All Americans Access to Comprehensive, Coordinated, Quality Health Care provided by a Family Physician Led Team

Whereas Obamacare was passed in 2010 and the rollout in October 2013 was executed with surmountable complications
Whereas approximately 8.5 million persons including 1/3 young adults were registered thru health exchanges in the first 4 months, Now therefore be it,
Resolved that AAFP & other health care organizations will continue to work on health system change and refinements to Obamacare vs. repeal.

Example 2

Title: Conquering a Public Health Challenge

Whereas HCV is a challenge facing the United States, and
Whereas HCV is the most common chronic bloodborne infection, and
Whereas, there are approximately 180 million carriers worldwide, Now therefore be it
Resolved that AAFP provide CME for the membership, and be it further
Resolved to promote testing.

Example 3

Title: Mission and Objectives of the AAFP

Whereas the mission of the AAFP is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health, and
Whereas the membership of AAFP is more than 129,000 and
Whereas satisfaction in practice is a concern of the AAFP leadership, Now therefore be it
Resolved that AAFP President Mike Munger send a letter of thanks to the general membership for their service, and be it further
Resolved that he declare “Encore” to be the AAFP theme song.