Why the Resolution?
A Message from your AAFP Delegates

I think the average member of the AAFP (and IAFP) does not often realize about how a singular idea that comes from a physician can actually turn into a policy change within the national organization. But this is exactly how the AAFP Congress of Delegates resolution process works.


It is important that all members understand how the governance structure of the AAFP is put together. As with many physician specialty organizations, the AAFP is essentially divided between elected leadership positions (the Directors and Officers of the Academy) and the Congress of Delegates (representatives of state academies and special constituencies).


What many do not know is that the elected directors and officers DO NOT MAKE POLICY. Instead, AAFP Policy is only created by actions of the Congress of Delegates. It is rather the job of the elected leaders to ENFORCE and EFFECTUATE the policies that are created.


So how is policy made or changed? The only way that this can occur is by action of the Congress of Delegates, and the COD can only do this officially by adopting resolutions. And, resolutions can only be brought forward by the representatives that make up the COD.


It has been a long time since Iowa has submitted a resolution. While some may say “why does this matter?” I can say that as I end my service in the COD that it is strange to me that I field a ton of comments from IAFP members on AAFP policy or positions on various subjects without ever receiving a resolution or even an idea that may eventually be fodder for a resolution. This disconnect is neither healthy nor operational, especially since the AAFP is supposed to reflect the will of the majority of its members.


Now do not misunderstand me (or the others who are part of the Iowa AAFP COD Delegation). We are here to represent Iowa to the best of our abilities. We stand up and provide testimony in reference committees and on the floor of the COD when resolutions are debated where it is clear that Iowa members have a strong position. We volunteer on various AAFP COD committees (bylaws, tellers, rules, etc.) so that we can bring our Iowa values and perspectives to those processes.


It is just that we want to make sure that you all have a say in policy.
So, if there is an issue or a challenge where you feel that the AAFP needs policy, or if you believe that current AAFP policy needs to be changed, won’t you please consider submitting a resolution? Don’t worry about the wonky requirements of how it should be written and if you are not a parliamentary nerd like I am; you can leave the whereas and resolved statements to us!!


The deadline for submission to the IAFP is July 1. We stand ready to advocate for you.


Please feel free to reach out to EVP Pam Williams at pwilliams@iaafp.org with questions, suggestions or to put you in touch with members who represent you at the AAFP Congress of Delegates: Amr Kamhawy, MD, Delegate and  Jeffrey Hoffmann, DO, Delegate.

 Resouces

Resolution Writing Worksheet

Sample Resolution Example #1

Sample Resolution Example #2

Contact IAFP at kscallon@iaafp.org or 515-244-4182 for resolution assistance.

Please submit your resolution in writing via email to kscallon@iaafp.org for consideration by July 1, 2023.