Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure Have you ever experienced…? . Meetings that seem endless . Confusion as to what exactly is being discussed and voted on? . Irritation because one person or a small group dominate a meeting? . A feeling that you never get your voice heard in discussion? . Anger about decisions made that do not reflect the feelings of the majority of the group End the Frustration!!! .What is Parliamentary Procedure? .Why use Parliamentary Procedure? .Importance of an Agenda .Role of the Members .Parliamentary Procedure Skills Parliamentary Procedure Definition Correct rules for conducting a successful meeting. Four goals of Parliamentary Procedure Extend courtesy to everyone. Focus on one thing at a time. Observes the rule of the majority. Ensures the rights of the minority. Reasons to Become Proficient You are or will become a presiding officer Assume leadership roles in organizations Help organization achieve its purpose/mission Disagree vigorously with others and remain cordial Promote our democratic heritage Rights of Participants Robert’s Rules protect four rights of individuals: To know what is going on To speak and be listened to To be included in making decisions To go home To Know What is Going On Agendas set out expectations Motions focus the discussion Limits on amendments keep things focused To Know What is Going On Voting provides closure Passed Failed Deliberately left unfinished Limits on re-opening issues prevent wheel- Navigation Bridge spinning USS Intrepid To Speak and Be Listened To “Having the Floor” and “Recognizing the Speaker” protect the speaker Limited reasons for allowing interruptions To Speak and Be Listened To Motions cannot be ignored, they must be dealt with (if supported by one other person – the seconder) Motions cannot be amended to change intent (the mover’s intention must be respected) To Be Included in Decisions After debate the motion is subject to a vote All decisions made by vote of all members (only one minor exception, made by the chair) To Go Home Agendas state when the meeting will end ‘Call for Orders of the Day’ – a formal request that “we have departed from our plan and I want to return to it.” Motion to adjourn is ‘privileged’ Equal Rights and Guarantees of Parliamentary Procedure Business is transacted in most efficient and democratic manner. All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations Protect These Four Rights To know what is going on To speak and be listened to To be included in making decisions To go home Be sure you protect them! That’s all there is to a good meeting Effective Meeting Behavior Where everyone knows and follows the rules, awareness of the rules virtually disappears and the meeting flows smoothly and naturally, even when there is vigorous debate over content. When that happens, Brig. General Robert has achieved his goal! “Yes, There was a Robert of Robert’s Rules of Order” BG Henry Martyn Robert US Army 1837-1923 USMA Class of 1857 4th in the Class Corps of Engineers “… to assist an assembly to accomplish in the best possible manner the work for which it was designed. To do this it is necessary to restrain the individual somewhat, as the right of an individual, in any community, to do what he pleases is incompatible with the interests of the whole.” --Henry M. Robert Questions.