SSSP resolutions constitute an important opportunity for the Society to take positions on a wide range of social issues, thereby creating a channel for greater visibility and more direct influence upon a variety of publics, including fellow activists, scholars, students, decision-makers, social action groups, voters, and others.

Any current SSSP member may submit a resolution to the Board of Directors (BOD) for consideration. All resolutions must be submitted directly to the SSSP Vice-President, who serves as Chair of the Committee on Social Action (CSA). The Vice-President oversees the resolution process on behalf of the BOD.

To be eligible for consideration during the 2026 calendar year, resolutions must be submitted no later than April 30, 2026.

Content Requirements

With the exception of resolutions expressing thanks, all proposed resolutions should include:

  • A concise position statement addressing a social problem of urgent concern
  • Appropriate evidence and citations supporting the position taken
  • A clear call for viable action by the SSSP.

Typically, this action involves a letter from the BOD to a public or private entity expressing concern, support, or opposition on an issue. Other forms of appropriate action may be proposed but should be discussed with the Vice-President prior to submission.

If the proposed resolution concerns legislation, a copy of the legislation or instructions for accessing it must be provided. Likewise, if the resolution is in support of or in opposition to an existing statement by another organization, that statement or access information must be provided.

Members are encouraged to consult the Society’s website for examples, suggestions, and the required resolution format.

Review and Consideration Process

The Vice-President serves as facilitator of the resolutions process, ensuring opportunities for member engagement prior to formal consideration.

May 1 – May 31

The CSA reviews all submitted resolutions. The CSA can raise concerns and make recommendations related to format, citations, recommended actions, organization and flow of resolution, wordsmithing, or other technical matters, and may consult with proposer(s) as needed.

By June 1

The CSA forwards to the BOD a list of resolutions with recommendations to advance or table each resolution. The BOD has the option of discussing a resolution with the CSA and/or member(s) who submitted the resolution. At this juncture, the resolution belongs to the BOD. The resolution can be modified by the BOD, without the approval of the proposer(s) of the resolution before it is presented to the membership for discussion and vote, but only if there is a compelling reason for the BOD to do so (e.g., legal concern). Members of the CSA or BOD who have a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest with a resolution, must recuse themselves immediately and refrain from commenting or voting on said resolution at this point in the process. The BOD approved that voting on proposed resolutions should be limited to face-to-face meetings (whether online or in-person).

By June 15

The BOD reviews the CSA’s list of resolutions and the text of the resolutions, and decides which resolutions to table and which to post on the Society’s website for membership comment.

June 15 – July 15

Resolutions are available online for member review and comment. During this period, members can express their support or opposition to a resolution with a rationale, and propose changes to and make recommendations regarding the resolution. The BOD will review these comments and recommendations to determine whether changes are needed or if the resolution should be tabled if there is a compelling reason to do so. If the resolution is not tabled, the BOD will post online the final version of the resolution for members to either approve or not approve.

July 15 – August 1

The BOD finalizes which resolutions will move forward and posts the final versions to the website. The BOD may also introduce resolutions in response to current issues.

Annual Meeting Discussion and Voting

All resolutions forwarded by the BOD will be discussed during the Society’s Annual Business Meeting. Thirty minutes will be allocated to a discussion in favor of or in opposition to all proposed resolutions. At this juncture, resolutions cannot be modified. The discussion will be moderated by the Vice-President, with the assistance of the Executive Officer. Every effort will be made to allow time for the discussion of each resolution being considered, with equal time to those in support of and those in opposition to each resolution.

Immediately after the Business Meeting, members will vote online for or against each resolution, or abstain. The voting period will be two weeks. A resolution passes if two-thirds of the members voting online by the deadline vote in favor of the resolution. Final results will be reported to the CSA and BOD, and published on the Society’s website.

Responsibilities of Resolution Sponsors

If adopted, sponsors must:

  • Draft any required letters or statements
  • Provide distribution lists or contact information
  • Assist the Administrative Office, if needed, in disseminating materials
  • Keep the Society informed of developments pertaining to the resolution.

Members who wish to propose resolutions for consideration, should submit them to the SSSP Vice-President at cebcannon@ucdavis.edu by April 30, 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Clare E. B. Cannon
SSSP Vice-President and Chair, Committee on Social Action, 2025-2026 

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

The following suggestions are offered to help strengthen resolutions submitted for consideration:

Local Awareness

A resolution which addresses an issue of urgent concern in the city or region where the Annual Meeting is being held is highly desirable. Thus, a more general or globally-oriented resolution can be strengthened if it makes the extra effort to cite any local aspect or manifestation of the problem which can help dovetail with the larger concern. Matters of local concern are also more likely to attract media attention.

Urgency
Resolutions that address timely developments or emerging aspects of a larger social problem are especially impactful. Examples include pending legislation, new policies or programs, recently released reports, or unfolding events. Resolutions grounded in current issues are more likely to resonate with members and gain public visibility.

Action-Oriented Focus
All resolutions should incorporate a clear call to action, whether directed to the Board of Directors or to concerned individuals and organizations. When action by SSSP is requested, it should be as specific as possible (e.g., identifying intended recipients of letters or statements). Past actions have included advocacy communications, participation in public initiatives, organized demonstrations, fundraising, and other forms of engagement.

Resource Support
Including a brief list of resources enhances the usefulness and impact of a resolution. Supporting materials may include scholarly papers, articles, reports, websites, or other informational sources that help members, educators, students, media, and the public better understand and engage with the issue.