Congress of Delegates

Our Congress of Delegates gives each member a chance to take an active role in IAFP business. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. Every member is a delegate, and every delegate has a voice and a vote. The Congress considers resolutions submitted by members on hot topics such as legislative issues and urgent educational needs. The 2024 Congress of Delegates will take place on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, 2024 in French Lick, Indiana.

Call for Resolutions for the 2024 Congress of Delegates

Set the course for your association by writing a resolution and submitting it for consideration by the Congress of Delegates. Resolutions from across the state are debated at the Congress and those that pass become official IAFP policy. Resolutions for the 2024 IAFP Congress of Delegates will be accepted through June 19, 2024. Any resolutions received after the deadline will be considered late but may be heard if deemed pertinent to the objectives of the IAFP and approved for acceptance by a two thirds vote of the congress. Questions may be submitted to Cole Speer. All IAFP members are invited to attend our Congress of Delegates free of charge even if you are not attending the Annual Convention.

How to Write a Resolution

The IAFP utilizes a Whereas/Resolved format for resolutions:
  • Whereas is followed by the background and conditions of the problem.
  • Resolved is followed by the actions you want the IAFP or AAFP to take. Each resolved should be clearly stated and able to stand on its own if adopted as policy.
Example:
WHEREAS, studies have shown the use of cell phones while driving can be dangerously distracting; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians support state legislation restricting the use of wireless communication devices while driving; except in emergency situations.

The following definitions were adopted in an effort to clarify direction during the 2019 Congress of Delegates:

Establish policy
This action will establish a policy of the IAFP expressing its opinion regarding the issue at hand. It does NOT require the IAFP to actively engage in pursuing or supporting this policy.

Support

This action will establish a policy as defined above and will compel the IAFP to actively support the policy including, but not limited to supporting legislation, sending a letter, or meeting with stakeholders, ONLY if the IAFP is explicitly asked to engage or if the policy debate is initiated by another party.

Advocate
This action will establish a policy as defined above and will compel the IAFP to actively support the policy including, but not limited to seeking/supporting legislation, sending a letter, or meeting with stakeholders.

Seek Legislation
This action will establish a policy as defined above and will compel the IAFP, alone or as a part of a coalition, to actively seek legislation supporting the policy.

2023 CONGRESS OF DELEGATES HANDBOOK