What is a resolution? A resolution expresses a formal position and lays out an agreement to operate in accordance with this position. Most resolutions are introduced at a city council meeting one week and then voted on the next, or if there are questions, it will be deferred to a committee for more consideration and possible rewriting. Committees will often hold hearings on subjects of importance to the general public - you may want to consider doing this as part of an effort to educate more and more people.

Research potential impacts: The clearer that you can make the issues of corporate globalization "hit home" for elected officials, members of the media, and the public, the greater success you will have in getting your resolution passed. Researching what's at stake for your city takes some creativity. Try to speak with people who know city policy and find out if there are laws created to boost local economic development that may favor local businesses and therefore violate WTO and NAFTA rules requiring "National Treatment" (you have to treat all corporations the same, domestic and foreign). Any laws that make room for "non-commercial" values such as paying living wages and ensuring environmental responsibility in government purchasing policy are likely to be illegal under the WTO government procurement agreement. Talk to city attorneys, academics, local businesses or anyone that might know local policy and pick their brain. Also, look for local impacts of globalization such as plant closures and environmental contamination and point out that solutions to these problems are being undermined by the WTO.

Research the resolution process. Find out about the timeline, procedure for introducing a resolution and who has the power to move the resolution forward. You can often find a sympathetic staffer or City Council member who can help with this process by arranging a meeting with the members of your City Council and/or their senior staff (see our sample game plan below). You can also try to talk to someone who follows local government, perhaps even a local reporter, to gain a sense of who's who and which elected officials might be receptive. Devise a game plan and a political strategy for getting your resolution passed, which may include something like this:

Sample Game Plan: Set up a meeting with one or more of your elected officials and provide them each with a packet of information. Include a cover letter stressing your concern with how the ability of local government to regulate foreign investors, pass laws or govern in the interest of the public is being udermined by so-called free trade policies which are really the dismantling of democracy under the guise of a trade pact. You may want to include examples of local programs or laws that will be impacted. Consider also submitting the letter from a diverse coalition signed by environmental, labor, human rights, small business and economic justice groups. The cover letter might also suggest that the local official file an official request with the city attorney's office to investigate the legal and fiscal impact (i.e. asses cost of future lawsuits!) on the city or county.

Follow up with a phone call in a few days, asking if they have received and reviewed the material. Suggest that a resolution be introduced at the next meeting. Offer to type up a draft resolution (you can use previously passed resolutions as models). Develop rapport with the legislative aide or staffer who takes an immediate interest. Try to seek bi-partisan support in drafting and introducing the resolution. Get as many co-sponsors as possible early on, and you may be able to sail it right through.

Organize a group of informed and well-spoken individuals to attend the meeting and address the city council during the public comment period. Usually comments are limited to a few minutes each, so try to make sure that people address various points. Encourage students and people from various constituent groups to participate. Offer to rehearse or practice talking points with people beforehand who are nervous about public speaking (almost all of us!). Try to keep everyone involved "on message;" anything can become public at anytime and can be easily taken out of context by an unenlightened reporter.

Develop a Media Strategy! Get the Word Out! One of the BEST ways to get media coverage is by making this a local news story. Send out a press release with the headline, "Concerned Citizens Request City Government to Adopt Resolution...." Pitch to various reporters, especially reporters who cover local politics and business. Point out examples of potential local impacts.

The media will want to single out elected officials who are either supporting or potentially opposed to the resolution. Try to point them in the direction of enlightened local officials who share your view. Help promote these officials on local radio shows.

Have fun! When the resolutions passes with flying colors, have a party to celebrate your hard work! This is grassroots democracy at its finest! Take back economic decision-making from the corporations!