Introduce a Resolution

What is a resolution?

A resolution is commonly a document that is introduced in a legislative body, such as a state legislature or city council. Resolutions oftentimes resemble a bill, and follow the same steps in the legislative process. The language in a resolution is not typically legally binding; rather, resolutions typically help a legislative body express collective sentiment about a person, event, policy stance, or idea.

How can I request a resolution?

To request a National Day of Reason resolution, you will need to contact your state representative, senator, councilperson, or relevant elected official, or their staff. In your correspondence, be clear and polite with your request. Introduce yourself, explain your ask, add why the National Day of Reason is important to you, and provide sample language. The easier you can make things for the elected official, the better!

If the public official is amenable to your request, then they will do the work to introduce the resolution into the lawmaking body. Outcomes could include the resolution being read on the floor during a full-body meeting, or having the resolution entered into the official government record.

Sample Language:

Click here to view a resolution language example.

resolutions

National Day of Reason 2023

(May 2, 2023) Introduced by Rep Jamie Raskin (D-MD), read 2023 National Day of Reason resolution: Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2023, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

Read House Resolution 1080 (National Day of Reason 2022)

(April 29, 2022) Introduced by Rep Jamie Raskin (D-MD), read H.Res. 1080: Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2022, as a “National Day of Reason” and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

Read House Resolution 357 (National Day of Reason 2021)

(April 28, 2021) Introduced by Rep Jamie Raskin (D-MD), read H.Res. 357: Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2021, as a “National Day of Reason” and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

Read House Resolution 947 (National Day of Reason 2020)

(May 4, 2020) Humanists rejoice in the introduction of House Resolution 947 to recognize May 7, 2020 as a National Day of Reason. The resolution was introduced by Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and cosponsored by fellow Congressional Freethought Caucus members Huffman (D-CA), Holmes Norton (D-DC), and McNerney (D-CA).

read house resolution 852 (national day of reason 2018)

(April 26, 2018) Rep. Jared Huffman introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives expressing support for the designation of May 3, 2018, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

Rep. Jared Huffman Introduces National Day of Reason Resolution

(April 26, 2018) United States Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced a resolution, H.Res 852, in the US House of Representatives recognizing May 3, 2018, as the National Day of Reason.

“Day of Reason” Resolution introduced in House of reps.

(May 4, 2017) United States Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives, House Res. 263, recognizing May 4, 2017, as the National Day of Reason. The National Day of Reason is an initiative by the American Humanist Association to promote reason as a secular alternative to the National Day of Prayer.

Read House Resolution 670 (National Day of Reason 2016)

(April 12, 2016) Rep. Mike Honda introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives expressing support for the designation of May 5, 2016, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

First-Ever NDOR Resolution Introduced inn the U.S. House

(April 29, 2015) United States Representative Mike Honda (CA-17) introduced U.S. House Resolution 228, which would celebrate May 7, 2015, as the National Day of Reason. This is the first time that a National Day of Reason resolution has been introduced in Congress.

Government Officials Honor National Day of Reason

(May 1, 2014) Two members of Congress, as well as state and local officials, are offering support for the National Day of Reason, an observance promoting a more inclusive alternative to the religiously focused, government-sponsored National Day of Prayer.