House of Delegates (HOD)

The House of Delegates (HOD) is the Academy's policy-making body, composed of members from across the state. By adopting resolutions (i.e., policy or action directives), the HOD establishes policies and defines basic principles to complement the strategic plan.

Each chapter appoints a proportional number of Delegates and Alternate Delegates annually. These representatives attend the HOD meeting to:

• Discuss and vote on proposed policies and actions
• Elect the Academy’s Board of Directors
• Represent the interests and perspectives of their chapter

All members are invited to attend, participate in discussions, and share their views on resolutions under consideration.

Choosing to be a Delegate or Alternate Delegate means stepping into a formal role during the HOD by representing the views of your chapter.

While all members are welcome to attend and participate in HOD meetings, Delegates (and Alternates) have the responsibility of:

• Representing the perspectives of their constituents
• Voting on resolutions and leadership elections

Delegates and alternate delegates represent their local chapters; residents and medical student delegates and alternates represent their respective chapters.

It's not all business, however! The House of Delegates always includes an evening social function to allow for networking or just having fun.

Delegates (and alternates) are expected to:

• Review reports and resolutions prior to the meeting 
• Engage with colleagues in your chapter to understand their views on HOD issues
• Attend reference committee meetings and the HOD, prepared to speak on issues important to your chapter and constituents
• Participate in the main HOD sessions and vote 

Chapters appoint delegates and alternates in January or February. Consider taking part in this process - your involvement can make a real difference in how family medicine is practiced across our state.

Resolutions are proposals that introduce new projects, policies, or positions for consideration by the HOD. Resolutions may be submitted by members through their chapters or developed by Academy committees and must be sponsored by at least two WAFP members.

Once accepted, resolutions are reviewed in a reference committee, where attendees offer additional input. The committee then recommends one of several actions to the HOD: adopt, modify, reject, reaffirm existing policy, or refer to the Board for further study.

Delegates then debate and vote. Outcomes have included adoption as WAFP policy, referral to AAFP or WSMA, and guidance for WAFP’s legislative priorities.

If you have an idea and want to move it forward, contact WAFP staff or any member of leadership. We are ready to help.

Reference committees are a critical link in understanding the implications and possibilities of a resolution. Reference committees offer HOD attendees the opportunity to provide information and speak in favor of or opposition to each resolution.

Then, each committee reviews testimony from members, weighing perspectives and additional context. Based on this review, the committee makes a formal recommendation to the full House of Delegates. Possible recommendations are: to adopt, to adopt a substitute resolution, to not adopt, or to refer to the Board of Directors for further study.

Reference committees are comprised of a chair, a secretary, and a member-at-large. 

In 2026, the House of Delegates changed its format based on attendee feedback. The first session of the House was held Friday evening, May 8, with the second session held the following morning. We hope the extra time allows for more thorough debate of reference committee recommendations.

A more detailed schedule is available here; we anticipate the 2027 schedule will be similar to 2026. Times are subject to change.

How to Write a Resolution (Presentation slides based on information from current and former WAFP speakers)

If you can't make it to the House of Delegates but still want to engage with WAFP, there are several ways to do so! Learn more about leadership opportunities or getting involved with your local chapter.