They are submitted by congregations, districts, or petitions signed by individual Unitarian Universalists, and appear on the General Assembly's Final Agenda. The topics for business resolutions are many and varied. In addition, the Assembly may amend the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws. Lest this sound dry and dull, consider that some of the liveliest discussions and arguments at GA can occur over proposed bylaw changes. Proposed amendments can cause Unitarian Universalists to think deeply about their faith and principles when issues such as the Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes or governance of the Unitarian Universalist Association are on the floor.
General resolutions make a statement of social concern or principle.
Individual congregations or districts are invited to submit a resolution every year to the Commission on General Resolutions. This standing committee is elected by delegates to GA and writes up to ten resolutions for the parish poll. Congregations vote, using the parish poll ballot, to select three general resolutions for the GA final agenda. A vote is taken on these general resolutions for one year of study by congregations and districts. After the study year, feedback and proposed amendments, these general resolutions appear on the agenda a second time, for a final vote as Unitarian Universalist Association policy.