Resolutions
A resolution is a proposed change to AMSA’s policies that is reviewed by AMSA’s House of Delegates at the National Convention. Every AMSA member has the ability to draft and submit resolutions to the HOD. Resolutions serve as a key mechanism for members to express their influence and shape the direction of the association.
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Committees
Three committees play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the HOD and national officer elections: the Reference, Nominations, and Credentials Committees. These committees provide AMSA members with an excellent opportunity to engage at the national level. AMSA relies on committed members to serve on these committees and support the smooth functioning of the HOD. Any active AMSA member may apply to serve on the Credentials and/or Nominations Committees.
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Delegates
Delegates are the decision-makers who vote on the policies that define AMSA’s mission and values. It is essential for each chapter to have representation in the House, as this voice embodies the true ownership and core of the association.
Elections
AMSA depends on dedicated student leaders who commit their time and effort to fulfilling their responsibilities as national leaders. Each leadership role differs in responsibility, time commitment, and required experience, but all demand a solid understanding of AMSA, a strong sense of dedication, and enthusiasm for the organization’s mission.
About the House of Delegates
The House of Delegates (HOD) is where AMSA members take ownership of the Association. As AMSA’s official policy-making body, the HOD allows representatives from each local medical chapter to convene once a year at the Annual Convention to vote on AMSA’s policies and elect national officers. The HOD is open to all AMSA members, allowing them to speak and vote. Members debate issues, propose amendments, and cast votes to shape AMSA’s policies. Any AMSA member can write and submit resolutions to the HOD, and all are encouraged to participate in discussions and debates.
AMSA’s policies and principles can only be changed by the HOD. This body alone determines AMSA’s official positions on all issues. The Board of Trustees (BOT) is responsible for implementing the policies established by the House throughout the year. Similar to Congress, AMSA’s policies are set when members submit resolutions for consideration. Like legislative bills, a resolution calls for AMSA to endorse a particular principle, adjust its internal structure, or eliminate outdated policies. These resolutions are available on the HOD website at least a month before the Convention. Each chapter appoints an official delegate, who is responsible for helping the local chapter president coordinate discussions on the proposed resolutions. Local chapters should review, discuss, and vote on each resolution before the Convention, providing guidance for their delegate’s vote. The Premedical Caucus is represented by up to five delegates, while the Graduate Caucus has up to ten delegates selected at the Convention. Resolutions are also accessible online.
On Friday at the Annual Convention, chapters can discuss resolutions during regional meetings. Following these meetings, reference committees composed of AMSA members begin their open sessions. During these sessions, members provide testimony and share opinions on resolutions, either individually or as representatives of their region. The reference committees then compile reports with recommendations on each resolution to present to the full HOD, functioning similarly to congressional subcommittees.
The HOD business sessions begin on Friday evening at AMSA’s Convention. That evening, delegates hear candidate speeches and elect the next year’s Board of Trustees. On Saturday, during the business session, the House debates member-submitted resolutions using a modified version of Robert’s Rules of Order. The Vice President for Internal Affairs chairs the HOD, while the National Secretary serves as Vice Chair. During the business sessions, delegates from each chartered medical chapter debate and vote on resolutions. Resolutions adopted by the House are incorporated into AMSA’s Preamble, Purposes, and Principles (PPP), the Association’s official policy document. These newly established policies then guide the BOT and AMSA staff in their work for the upcoming year.
Your Guide to the House of Delegates
We encourage you to review the following videos for a better understanding of how the AMSA House of Delegates works. Please disregard any mention of past dates and/or locations.
Part 1
Part 2
Learn the how to get a resolution to the AMSA House of Delegates from the pros – the AMSA Board of Trustees!