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Step 3: Find a sponsor & draft the resolution

Step 3: Find a sponsor & draft the resolution

In most local government councils, you’ll need a sponsor to get the resolution before the council. The sponsor is a member of the council who agrees to introduce the resolution to the council and put it on the agenda.

You may already know a supportive councilmember who will agree to introduce the resolution with a single phone call. Or you may have to ask around and meet with a few members before you find a sponsor.

Once you find a sponsor, work together to draft your resolution. The sponsor should know what format and language would be appropriate for your city. You can use our model city council resolution or one or two resolutions from other cities as a starting point. Share one or two of these documents with your sponsor.

Tip

Once you start talking to councilmembers, you may find many who think a local government shouldn’t take a position on an issue like the death penalty. EJUSA has heard that concern so often that we’ve prepared a special handout! See The Death Penalty: Whose Business is it?

Success story: 

In Buffalo, NY, activist Chuck Calhane happened to run into a councilman at a church meeting where he spoke with him about the national situation regarding the death penalty. Calhane explained the influence that a Buffalo moratorium resolution could have on both a national and state level. The councilman agreed to introduce the resolution on the spot!

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