National Association of the Deaf

These guidelines provide the basics on how to write a successful motion for proposed 2010-12 priorities which will be presented to and voted upon by official delegates at the 50th Biennial NAD Conference.

Also, you are responsible for making sure your Priority Proposal Form is worded so that proposal is clear, concise, and complete before you send in your submission.  Deadline: Thursday, May 6, 2010. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Proposal Format

Each motion for a proposed priority has four parts:

• Title
• Priority
• Rationale
• Fiscal impact

Title

• Describe in a few words the focus of your proposed priority.
• Make sure the title matches the intent (purpose) of the proposed priority being proposed.

Priority

• Write the text of the proposed priority as a statement (clear, straightforward, and specific focus).
• Make sure the proposal can easily be understood and replied to with a vote of, “Yes, I am in favor of this proposed priority,” or, “No, I am opposed to this proposed priority.”
• Do research in advance on your proposal. Was this addressed by the NAD in the past, or is this something the NAD is already doing? Is your proposal nationally significant? Is it forward-looking? (Check online documents, e.g., NAD in Action, as well as those listed under 2008 NAD Conference business)
• Very important: Keep the focus of your proposed priority simple and to the point; do not combine multiple ideas or concepts in a single motion.

Rationale

• Clearly explain the rationale, that is, briefly state the reason why you believe your proposal is worth considering as a top priority for the NAD.
• For instance, why is your proposal of national significance? How will it impact the entire nation?

Fiscal Impact

• • Clearly explain the fiscal impact for the proposed priority (how much would it cost the NAD, where the funds would come from, and how your proposal would be carried out).
• • For instance, do you think membership fees should be increased to pay for your proposed motion?
• Summary

Keep in mind the three C’s for successful priority proposal writing: Make sure your proposal is clear, concise, and complete.

Sample Priority Proposal

Title: Red T-Shirts for Delegates

Proposed Priority: Require all NAD delegates to wear red t-shirts to the Council of Representatives (both days) at the 2008 NAD Conference.

Rationale: This will make NAD delegates easy to identify during Council of Representatives meetings and make voting easier to tally.

Fiscal Impact: The NAD would purchase a stock of red t-shirts (at an estimated cost of $10 each, with two (2) t-shirts per person in various sizes. The t-shirts would be sold to delegates at the start of the 2008 NAD Conference. Delegates would pay $20 to the NAD for these t-shirts. Estimated total cost for 125 delegates: $2,500. Cost to NAD: $0 (except staff time for ordering, shipment, and distribution).