The deadline to submit a resolution to the Council is July 28, 2014. Over the course of two days, the Council will consider dozens of resolutions that will shape the direction of ACEP for the coming year and beyond. Get your idea or policy considered at the Council meeting Oct. 25–26, 2014, in Chicago by following these guidelines.

1. Resolutions must be submitted by at least two ACEP members or by any component body represented in the Council.
2. Resolutions may be submitted by mail, fax, or email (preferred). Resolutions are due at least 90 days before the Council meeting.
3. Resolutions consist of a descriptive Title, a Whereas section, and a Resolved section. The Council only considers the Resolved when it votes, and the Resolved is what the Board of Directors reviews to direct College resources.
4. There are two types of resolutions: general resolutions and bylaws resolutions. General resolutions require a majority vote for adoption, and bylaws resolutions require a two-thirds vote.
5. Councillors receive the resolutions prior to the annual meeting along with background information and cost information developed by ACEP staff. Resolutions are assigned to reference committees for discussion at the Council meeting. You, as the author of your resolution, should attend the reference committee that discusses your resolution.
6. The Council considers the recommendations from the reference committees on the second day of the Council meeting. The reference committees present each resolution, providing a recommendation and summary of the debate to the Council. The Council debates each resolution and offers amendments as appropriate.
7. Any ACEP member may attend the Council meeting, but only certified Councillors are allowed to participate in the floor debate and vote. Past Speakers and Presidents may participate in floor debate and address Council with ordinary recognition by the Speaker. Other members may address the Council at the discretion of the speaker, and such requests must be submitted in writing to the speaker before the debate.
8. When considering a resolution, the Council’s options are to adopt the resolution as written; adopt as amended by the Council; refer to the Board, the Council Steering Committee, or the Bylaws Interpretation Committee; or not adopt (defeat or reject) the resolution.
9. ACEP has more resources on the resolution process at www.acep.org/council. Review the “Guidelines for Writing Resolutions” for tips.
10. Writing and submitting Council resolutions keeps our College healthy and vital. A Council resolution is a great way for members to provide information to their colleagues and ACEP leadership. Please take advantage of this opportunity and exercise your rights as part of our emergency medicine community.
11. Stop reading, and go write your resolution.