DOCSLIB.ORG

Myths and Half Truths Concerning Parliamentary Procedure: Bet You Have Heard Some of These!

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Myths and Half Truths Concerning Parliamentary Procedure: Bet You Have Heard Some of These! Myths and Half truths concerning parliamentary procedure: Bet you have heard some of these! Commentary on each: 1. Exofficio members never have right to vote. The term exoffico simply means “by virtue of”. That is, some groups may have the president or vice president as a member of any or all committees; the county agent may be listed as “exoffico” member of the Extension Board; the student body president may be an exoffico member of the community foundation, etc. The State Fair board has an exoffico spot listed for the governor and others. Whether the person filling this spot has voting rights maybe spelled out in the group’s governing documents. The default according to RONR would be that they would have full rights while serving on the board—that is, right to present motion, debate, and vote. Many groups because of either provisions in their governing documents or custom to not allow for full rights (often this is because of the misconception of rights of exoffico). 2. Executive Committee can always over ride decision of whole assembly. The default is that nobody (officer or officers or executive committee) can over ride the will of the assembly. So any such authority must be found other than in their parliamentary authority. On the other hand commonsense says it may be necessary—for example: the body at their annual convention voted to hold the next annual convention on the same corresponding date AND at the same location. Due to other circumstances it is later found that either the date will not work at that site or that site will not be available— so a decision will have to be made by the executive committee (or other designated committee). Such authority is often found in the bylaws such “executive committee has authority to conduct affairs of the association between annual meetings”. 3. Amendments need permission of maker to be included. No such rule exists in any parliamentary authority. Once a motion is presented to the body by the president the maker of the motion has no more ownership than any other member. Now Again—exceptions by rule or custom may exist in some organizations—example: Indiana legislature (do not use RONR) but a person who proposed a motion may withdraw it at any time (at least, this is pretty close to the way they operate.) 4. Organizations must always have a constitution and a bylaws While in the past it was quite common for groups to have both ---the rationale was that the constitution contained those points that were very difficult to change (perhaps notice and 2/3rds vote) and the bylaws contained what were more in the nature of standing rules. Today most organizations only have a set of bylaws which are more of the nature of the old concept of constitution but may contain provisions for some things to only require a majority vote to change. Example: the Indiana FFA, Indiana Young Farmers, IAAE, and many others only operate under a bylaws. Some groups such as National FFA may never change due to circumstances concerning their federal government special status as to recognition. 5. Debate is never in order before a main motion has been presented Many groups have a custom of allowing for some debate before a motion in order that some consensus arises prior to wording of a motion. In general, it is not a recommended practice for large groups but is allowed under “small board rules” and in committees. 6. Parliamentarians make ruling which are subject to appeal Parliamentarians do not make rulings (general nature of the beast) but offer advisory opinions. Generally during a convention setting the parliamentarian is advisor to the presiding officer but may be called up to clarify points to others or the body. Rationale for saying not making rulings: it is within the power of a presiding officer or the body to ignore the parliamentarian’s advice or with limits suspend some provisions of their own standing rules and their parliamentary authority. 7. A person cannot nominate themselves No such rule exist in any commonly used parliamentary authority 8. A member of the nominating committee cannot be nominated No such rule exists in any commonly used parliamentary authority. With this or #7 IF such were the rule then a member is being stripped of one of the generally accepted principles of full membership in the organization. 9. Minutes of previous meeting, committee reports, treasurer’s report must always be adopted by motion Minutes of the previous meeting should be handled simply by consensus: that is, the chair asks if there are any corrections---then say “if there are no corrections (or “if there are no further corrections—“) the minutes stand approved as presented”. Is the reading of the minutes required(oral presentation required)-- no, not if group is using another means of sharing of minutes with the members. In this day of wide use of either email or website the actual reading aloud of the minutes is a time consuming activity. BUT, the minutes should be read upon the request of even one member, unless the group adopts a standing rule contrary to this. Remember bylaws and standing rules can contain rules of conducting a meeting and this over rides the parliamentary authority. (Caution: some of the basic principles of membership should never be to consider acceptable to abridge such as right to “hear and be heard” and right to vote, etc….) Can a new member or a member absent from previous meeting—vote on approval of minutes (if voting is used)---yes, all members have the right to vote even on past material. Committee Reports: presented simply as a report without requesting any action—should not be approved/adopted/etc. by the group---rationale: group would have adopted as their official (and perhaps legal position) every word, phase, grammar error, etc. of the report—so better to simply file. IF the committee is seeking approval of an action (could be even a resolution) then the speaker can on behalf of the committee “the committee moves for -------“ and if moved by the committee (and not just the speaker) then the need for a second has been satisfied (more than one interested) –the second is implied. Treasurer’s report: no action recommended excepting filing with the secretary EXCEPT an audited report. Rationale: what if there is a serious error (or maybe misuse of funds) the group if vote to accept has just accepted a false report. 10. Chair should always ask for “old business” on the agenda The term “old business” is strongly recommended to NEVER be used. In some folks mind this envisions anything from the past so may be opening the door for unintended consequences. So do not use. 11. Chair should always ask for “unfinished business” on agenda There is only a very limited means by which there would be anything like “unfinished business” and the two most likely are: a) some motion was postponed at the last meeting to this meeting or b) some items on the previous meeting agenda were not covered due to adjournment-----in either case, these items would be under the heading of “unfinished business”. NOW: If either of these situations exists---the chair should know that (that is they would know of postponement if they were at the meeting AND it should have been noted in the minutes) and they would be aware the agenda was not completed---SO, nothing postponed to this meeting and no unfinished agenda items THEN there is no reason for “unfinished business” to actually be listed or called for on the agenda for the current meeting. 12. Only the maker of a motion can move to rescind Again, as stated before: once a motion has been turned over to the body (to debate or to vote) the maker of the motion has no more ownership than any other member. A point to ponder: It is in order for person who was absent from the meeting at which a motion was passed OR perhaps not even a member at the time of the motion passing—to move to rescind or amend. This is not an uncommon practice in some governmental groups as a new group of members seek to “undo” a motion passed by a previous group – happens in many groups after an election. Example: school board passes to implement certain policies and after an election the membership has changed enough to “undo” the previous board’s motion. 12. Presiding officer can only vote to break a tie Some confusion still around on this one: Default: president has the same fundamental right to vote as any other member, but as a matter of practice it is common for the president not to vote—UNLESS THEIR VOTE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Now that opens the door to a) breaking a tie or b) causing a tie (note: point being that a tied vote loses). So while a president can not be forced to vote (no member can unless in their governing documents) the president is free to cast a vote or not---example: motion is tied—if president favored passage they vote for and the motion passes; if president against passage on a tied vote then simply does nothing and the tied vote dies, or if vote is for example 10 in favor and 9 against—the president by casting a “no” vote helps to kill the motion (or if in favor does nothing). 13. A motion that is debated and voted on but later determined to have never been seconded—is void After debate has started or voting has occurred the lack of a second is immaterial.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1- Rules of the House of Representatives 1.0 Procedural and Parliamentary Authority 1-1 Manual. the Wyoming Manual of Legisla
    Rules of the House of Representatives 1.0 Procedural and Parliamentary Authority 1-1 Manual. The Wyoming Manual of Legislative Procedures, Revised, shall be referred to as the "Manual." 1-2 Parliamentary Practice. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the House in all cases to which they can apply and in which they are not inconsistent with the rules and orders of the House and Joint Rules. [Ref: Mason's §§ 30 to 32] 1-3 Suspension of Rules. No change, suspension, or addition to the rules of the house shall be made except by a two-thirds vote of the elected members. [Ref: Mason's §§ 279 to 287] 2.0 House Organization 2-1 Removal of Officers. A vote of at least two-thirds of the elected House members for the removal of any officer of the House shall be sufficient to vacate the chair or office. [Ref: Mason's § 581] 2-2 House Committees. The Speaker of the House after conferring with the majority and minority leaders shall appoint members to House standing committees subject to House Rule 2-3. House standing committees are as follows: 1. Judiciary 2. Appropriations 3. Revenue 4. Education 5. Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources 6. Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources 7. Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions 8. Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs 9. Minerals, Business and Economic Development 10. Labor, Health and Social Services 11. Journal 12. Rules and Procedure [Ref: Mason's §§ 600 to 602] -1- 2-3 Committee Membership.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure
    Parliamentary Procedure New for 2020-2021 Competitor orientation deleted from ILC. Event Summary Parliamentary Procedure provides HOSA members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required to conduct a simulated business meeting by using parliamentary procedure. This competitive event consists of 2 rounds and each team consists of 5-8 people. Round One is a written test and the top scoring teams will advance to Round Two to demonstrate a secret problem with motions during a business meeting/presentation. This event aims to inspire members to be proactive future health professionals by learning the importance of cooperation and working together through competitive performance. Dress Code Competitors shall wear the HOSA uniform or proper business attire. Bonus points will be awarded for proper dress in both rounds. All team members must be properly dressed to receive bonus points. General Rules 1. Competitors in this event must be active members of HOSA in good standing in the division in which they are registered to compete (Secondary or Postsecondary/Collegiate). 2. Competitors must be familiar with and adhere to the “General Rules and Regulations of the HOSA Competitive Events Program (GRR)." 3. Teams shall be composed of five (5) to eight (8) members with identified offices or representative thereof (i.e., president, treasurer, committee chairman, member, etc.). Official References 4. Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. De Capo Press. Latest edition shall be the official parliamentary authority reference for this event. Other references used for test development include: • Study Questions for NAP Membership Exam, National Association of Parliamentarians. ROUND ONE: Test 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Members' Parliamentary Guide
    Members’ Parliamentary Guide May 2019 Members’ Parliamentary Guide House of Assembly - Newfoundland & Labrador FEBRUARY 2021 This version is dated February 2021. For the most current version, visit: www.assembly.nl.ca/Members Members’ Parliamentary Guide February 2021 Members’ Guide to TableResources of Contents & Members’ Role in the House of Assembly ...................................... 1 Allowance Structures of Legislature ................................................................... 2 Standing Orders .............................................................................. 3 May 2019 General Assembly ........................................................................... 3 Session......................................................................................... 4 Sitting .......................................................................................... 4 Parliamentary Calendar .............................................................. 4 Daily Sittings ................................................................................ 5 Recess .......................................................................................... 5 Quorum ....................................................................................... 6 Adjournment (Sitting) ................................................................. 6 Prorogation ................................................................................. 6 Dissolution..................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Reference Sources: House of Representatives
    Parliamentary Reference Sources: House of Representatives Richard S. Beth Specialist on the Congress and Legislative Process Megan Suzanne Lynch Analyst on the Congress and Legislative Process April 4, 2008 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL30787 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Parliamentary Reference Sources: House of Representatives Summary House procedures are based not solely on the code of Rules the chamber adopts at the start of each Congress, but also on constitutional mandates, published precedents reflecting authoritative rulings and interpretations of the foregoing authorities, procedural principles set forth in the manual of practice prepared by Jefferson, “rule-making” statutes, and practices that have developed without being formally adopted.. Rules adopted by committees and by the party conferences also serve as sources of parliamentary practice in the House. This report describes the coverage, format, and availability of documents that set forth these procedural authorities, and notes principles of House procedural practice that bear on appropriate use of these sources. Summaries and appendices provide citations to print and electronic versions, and list related CRS products. The main procedural authorities of the House are set forth in the House Manual (“House Rules and Manual” or, colloquially, “Jefferson’s Manual”), published in each Congress and distributed to House offices. They include the Constitution, applicable portions of Jefferson’s Manual, the adopted Rules of the House, and provisions of statute that have procedural effects, often governing proceedings on specified measures. In the House Manual, provisions of each authority are accompanied by the parliamentarian’s annotations of precedents interpreting those provisions.
    [Show full text]
  • Abridged Guidelines for Parliamentary Procedure
    Abridged Guidelines for Parliamentary Procedure Taken from: Keesey’s Modern Parliamentary Procedure. Prepared by: Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D. President-Elect APA Division 31 State and Provincial Psychological Association Affairs For: All SPPA Officers, Leaders, and Executive Officers 1 The Parliamentary Authority: A parliamentary authority, once adopted in an organization’s bylaws, becomes the basic source of its procedural rules. Majority Rule: All meetings governed by parliamentary procedures must follow the mandate of the majority. Under no circumstances may a group suspend the principle of majority rule. The majority of the eligible votes cast, assuming a quorum is present, represents the will of the majority. The Rights of the Minority: Members voting with the minority retain all the rights and privileges of membership and may not be discriminated against because of their votes. They may propose a motion and speak and vote for or against a motion like any other member. When a committee reports to its parent group, a minority report may be presented as an amendment to the committee report, and a vote taken on substituting the minority report for the committee report. Freedom of Discussion: No member may have the right to “speak his or her piece” circumscribed, except by rules that similarly limit the rights of all the members. The motion to close debate is misused if it is offered to prevent members from stating their views. Since such a motion deprives a minority the freedom of debate, it requires a two-thirds vote to pass. Other Principles: The role of the majority, the rights of the minority, equality of membership, and freedom of discussion are the four most fundamental principles of democratic actions.
    [Show full text]
  • Defining the Organization: Bylaws and Other Rules
    06_575740 ch02.qxd 11/17/04 6:24 PM Page 17 Chapter 2 Defining the Organization: Bylaws and Other Rules In This Chapter ᮣ Knowing how to adopt, amend, and suspend your rules ᮣ Changing your bylaws and applying them properly ᮣ Keeping members informed of changes to bylaws and rules e the People. .” These famous words begin the defini- “Wtion of one of the greatest organizations in the world, The United States of America. We the people adopted a rule early on that secures the right “peace- ably to assemble.” Your right to belong to an organization is based on the agreement of everybody that assembling is a natural and sacred right, and it’s one of the first membership rules the found- ing fathers established. It was so important that they put it in the Constitution, making it pretty sure to stay in force unless a large majority of Americans agree to change it. And that’s not likely to happen anytime soon. A country is its citizens, and your organization is its membership. And the success of both depends on the members’ agreement to the fundamental rules. If you think of your organization’s rules as the COPYRIGHTEDframework for your mutual cooperation MATERIAL and benefit, then you can understand bylaws and other organizational rules much more clearly. In this chapter, I focus primarily on bylaws because they establish the real framework of your organization. But my focus isn’t intended to minimize the importance of other types of rules. It’s just to say that your bylaws are to your organization pretty much what the Constitution is to the good ol’ USA.
    [Show full text]
  • AN OUTLINE of BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Parliamentary Authority: Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, 2001
    AN OUTLINE OF BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Parliamentary Authority: Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, 2001. I. Rules Governing an Organization A. State and Federal Law - governing corporations, public legislative bodies, etc. B. Governing Documents – Operating Policies C. Standing Rules - operating procedures consistent with the above. Normally can be amended by majority vote at any business meeting and can be suspended. D. Rules of Order - parliamentary authority, superseded by any of the above which conflict. E. Precedent and Custom - apply when there are no written rules governing a situation. II. Purposes of Parliamentary Procedure A. Establishes process for facilitating work together to accomplish the intended purpose B. Facilitate the transaction of business and expedite meetings C. Provides order, fairness and good faith procedures D. Only one matter is discussed at a time E. Only one person can speak at one time F. No one can speak a second time until all have been given the opportunity G. Provides that the will of the majority decides the action H. Protects the rights of the minority, the absentees and individual members III. Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure A. All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations. B. A quorum must be present for the group to act. C. Full and free discussion of every motion is a basic right. D. Only one question at a time may be considered, and only one person may have the floor at any one time. E. Members have a right to know what the immediately pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Law Articles
    PARLIAMENTARY LAW ARTICLES WHAT IS PARLIAMENTARY LAW? . 1 WE DON’T USE PARLIAMENTARY LAW IN OUR ORGANIZATION . 2 MAKING A MOTION . 3 8 STEPS TO A MAIN MOTION . 4 THE ROLE OF THE SECONDER . 5 DEBATE. 6 DEBATE - WHY DO YOU ADDRESS THE CHAIR?. 7 DECORUM IN DEBATE. 8 THE MYTH OF ADOPTING AN AGENDA . 9 OLD BUSINESS VS UNFINISHED BUSINESS . 10 HOUSEKEEPING MOTIONS . 11 COMMITTEE REPORTS . 12 CALLING FOR THE QUESTION. 13 CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR . 14 MINUTES (Part I) . 15 MINUTES (Part II) . 16 MINUTES (Part III) . 17 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF EX-OFFICIO OFFICERS. 18 CONFLICT OF INTEREST . 19 DUTIES OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN . 20 Articles by Richard Ashby RPP, PGP - Alberta General Grand Chapter Parliamentarian 45 Spruce Ave. Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 2B7 Phone: 780-400-1933 email: [email protected] WHAT IS PARLIAMENTARY LAW? Richard Ashby RPP Parliamentary Law, while not actually law in the sense of statutes and jurisprudence, is a set of time tested rules for clubs, organizations, and other deliberative assemblies to be able to productively conduct business. Parliamentary Law is common sense, based on logic and founded on certain fundamental principles. At its heart it takes into account the rights of the majority, protection of the minority, the individual, absent members, and the collective rights of all these groups. Its object is to allow deliberation and arrive at the will of the majority in a timely manner. Typically national, state/provincial and other full-scale legislative assemblies have extensive internally written rules of order, whereas non-legislative bodies write and adopt a limited set of specific rules as the need arises.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by Gregory A. Goodwiller, P.R.P Copyright 2014 by the Office of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, photo- copying, recording, or otherwise (brief quotations used in magazine or newspa- per reviews excepted), without the prior permission of the publisher. The sessions, presbyteries, and synods of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) may use sections of this publication without receiving prior written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America Additional copies available from Presbyterian Distribution Services (PDS) 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396, by calling 1-800-524-2612 (PDS) Please specify PDS order #OGA-14-070 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND PRELIMINARY CONCEPTS Section F-1.0401 of the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity in the Book of Order (quoting Rom. 12:2) states that in its life and work, “the Church seeks ‘not [to] be conformed to this world, but [to] be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds, so that [we] may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.’” Section F-3.0205 goes on to say that in our church body, “decisions shall be reached in councils by vote, following opportunity for discussion and discernment, and a majority shall govern.” The first paragraph of G-3.0105 of the Form of Government of the Book of Order states that meetings of councils of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) “shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised except when it is in contradic- tion to this Constitution.” And then it notes that “councils may also make use of processes of discernment in their deliberations prior to a vote as agreed upon by the body.” Thus, there are two ways for discernment to take place before a council takes final action on a matter.
    [Show full text]
  • Nap Membership Study Guide
    A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PARLIAMENTARIANS® PUBLICATION NAP MEMBERSHIP STUDY GUIDE The first step to learning how to master meetings NAP MEMBERSHIP STUDY GUIDE NAP MEMBERSHIP: THE FIRST STEP TO LEARNING HOW TO MASTER MEETINGS Congratulations! You have taken an important first step in your journey to learn how to master meetings: applying for membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). Mastering meetings requires a well-founded understanding and knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th edition). A basic understanding of the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure will ease your journey tremendously, beginning with the NAP Membership Exam. This study guide will help you prepare to take – and pass – the NAP Membership Exam. It is intended to be used in conjunction with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief, 2nd edition. More importantly it will place you firmly on the path to becoming a helpful member of any organization. With this knowledge, you can be part of the solution to achieve effective and efficient meetings. For each section, you will need to read the corresponding chapter in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief (chapters 1-11). After reading the chapter, practice what you’ve learned by defining the terms, answering the questions, and practicing using the language of parliamentary procedure. Once you are at ease with this material, you are ready to take a brief exam that will show that you have a foundation to begin learning and applying parliamentary procedure in your organization. Enjoy your study. 1 I. Chapter 1. Why have rules? 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Procedure: Being Aware of the Key Rules
    Parliamentary Procedure: Being Aware of the Key Rules MARY J. KAYSER, TRMC/MMC City Secretary, City of Fort Worth TML 2020 Newly Elected Officials “Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.” Henry Clay 1 “When the burdens of the presidency seem unusually heavy, I always remind myself it could be worse. I could be a mayor." Lyndon B. Johnson Parliamentary Law It is an organized system that allows a group of people to come together and make a decision. The system is made up of basic principles and rules that determine how the group will proceed through the decision-making process 2 WHY PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ? • PROVIDES STRUCTURE TO THE MEETING • PROTECTS THE MINORITY • ALLOWS FOR FREE AND IMPARTIAL DEBATE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME • SAVES TIME – EFFICIENCY PROVIDES STRUCTURE AND HELPS MANAGE THE MEETING • It is much easier to conduct a meeting when everyone knows the rules: • How to be recognized • How to make motions • What motions to make • How the chair will handle routine matters • Wait, it’s moving too fast……. • We are repeating ourselves 3 PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY • A decision made by a group who listened to the minority is usually far better than one made by a group who ignored or ridiculed the minority. • Ensure that the minority are heard • Correct use of parliamentary procedure ensures that everyone is treated fairly • All sides of the issue have a fair hearing • Rules are the same for everyone ALLOWS FOR FREE & IMPARTIAL DEBATE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME Roberts Limits on Debate – two times – 10 minutes – no 2nd speeches until everyone has spoken that wants to.
    [Show full text]
  • Pocket Guide to Parliamentary Procedure
    MP475 Pocket Guide to Parliamentary Procedure DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION University of Arkansas System United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating Contents Introduction 1 Types of Meetings 1 Electronic Meetings 2 Procedures for Small Boards 2 Order of Business and Agenda 3 Motions 7 Making a Motion 8 Amending a Motion 9 Most Used Motions 10 Chart for Determining Which Motion Is in Order 12 Nominations and Elections 14 Elections 15 Bylaws and Standing Rules 17 Definitions 18 References 22 Adapted by Bobby Hall, instructor - LeadAR director, Community and Economic Development, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, from Simplified Handbook of Parliamentary Procedure (University of Arkansas Coopera- tive Extension Service publication MP350 by Lott Rolfe, III). Hall is a member of the Arkansas Association of Parliamen- tarians and the National Association of Parliamentarians. For more information about this publication, contact Bobby Hall, instructor - LeadAR director, Community and Economic Development. Introduction This publication is designed to help experienced and inexperienced leaders and members conduct meetings of high quality and efficiency and give them guidance in organizational structure and functions. Knowledge of parliamentary rules is helpful to participants on every level: members need to be aware of methods of good procedure and leaders need to be knowledgeable in the use of proper techniques. Good parliamentary procedure ensures justice to everyone, prescribes order, reflects kindness and generosity, provides constructive use of limited time and gives one a sense of self- confidence. The text of this Pocket Guide to Parliamentary Procedure is in harmony with the best authorities and resources available.
    [Show full text]