ProposalWritingGuide

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to standardize OutWorlders’ Proposal writings. Although you could submit a piece of paper that simply states, “I propose we make this change,” following this format will help.

Templates / Examples

Proposal ______________. Activate Buffy Summers' birthright as the next slayer

WHEREAS There needs to be an active slayer for every generation; and

WHEREAS India Cohen, the most recent slayer, has sacrificed her life to free the souls of her Watcher and her dog;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:

1. Buffy Summers is selected as the next slayer of her generation
2. Buffy Summers' birthright as the slayer is activated
3. Buffy Summers saves the world. A lot.

ADOPTED / REJECTED this ________ day of ________________________ ________ by a vote of ________ for, ________ against, and ________ present.

Format

Please note that shorter is better in a resolution. If it’s too long, few people will read it.

Header

Begin your proposal with a title, date, and the name of the person submitting the proposal. Start all titles with the word “Proposal” and a blank space for the Secretary to give the proposal a unique ID.

Proposal ______________.     title_of_proposal    .
     date     
Author:      your_name     

WHERAS Clauses

Note that every issue brought up in the WHEREAS clauses should be dealt with in the RESOLVED clauses. Remove any WHEREAS clause that is not addressed in a RESOLVED clause.

If a resolution is preceded by one reason for submitting the resolution, the following format is used:

WHEREAS,     sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_reason    ;

If a resolution is preceded by two or more reasons, the following format is used:

WHEREAS,     sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_reason    ; and
WHEREAS,     sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_reason    ;

RESOLVED Clauses

If a resolution requires one action, use the following format:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_resolution;

If a resolution requires more than one action, the following format is used:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:

1.     sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_resolution    
2.     sentance(s)_supporting_a_single_resolution    

Closing

For good record-keeping, provide a section in the footer for the Secretary to track whether the proposal was adopted or rejected, as well as the date and results of the vote.

ADOPTED / REJECTED this ________ day of ________________________ ________ by a vote of ________ for, ________ against, and ________ present.

Appendixes

If your proposal refers to external items, such as images, blueprints, stat-sheets, or other documents, include them on separate pages titled "Appendix," if possible.

If referring to multiple external items, it is helpful to name each.

WHEREAS, the current design (Appendix A) is outdated;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OutWorlders use a new design (Appendix B) in all future marketing materials.