Testimonials
What readers say about our book Mastering Council Meetings
★★★★★
Five stars! Ann is a master at teaching and a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. Not only is she entertaining and interesting, she brings simplicity and understanding to a difficult and sometimes confusing subject - public meeting rules. A must have for Council members, Mayors, and others that participate in public governmental meetings. Cindy Hughes
★★★★★
I have gone through the training this book is based on and I learned so much and had such fun, I had to get the book. A must have for elected officials and anyone serving on a board or commission that employs Robert's Rules. Easy to follow and understand. Essential! Ruth Ross
★★★★★
Mastering Council Meetings is a must-have reference guide for local governments. I have found it to be a valuable resource that offers practical solutions to virtually every question related to meeting management. It simplifies Robert's Rules of Order for the lay person and provides the rationale for procedures designed to facilitate orderly, fair, and productive meetings. I believe that following the principles in this book will help further the aims of the democratic process and promote greater trust in government. Scott M. Passey
★★★★★
I was very nervous about running an upcoming meeting until I read this book. Ann Macfarlane and Andrew Estep have created a concise, and easy-to-read guidebook that not only answered my lingering questions, but that was also enjoyable reading. I especially appreciated the quotes in the margins, and the Appendices such as the Motions Chart, Rules for Discussion, and Glossary. The Index allows me to look up particular questions in a hurry. It is a book I now carry with me to all my meetings! Kathryn German
★★★★★
This volume, based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition, fills a seemingly neglected need: a tutorial specifically for people who have been elected to public boards and councils. To that end, this book focuses on the rules as they apply to small groups and also focuses on the most commonly needed motions in these groups. But the real gem is the ample guidance for both members and presiding officers on how to participate effectively and deal with disorder. Ronald J. Legere
★★★★★
I wish I had this book when I was first elected. It would have made things so much easier. The authors really know parliamentary procedure and can help you work through the toughest situations and meetings. The cost of the book is a small price to pay or the amount of information you get. David
★★★★★
I know it's hard to imagine but this book is a real page-turner for anyone who leads or attends council meetings. With its combination of facts, practical application and humorous stories. I read it in one sitting. And I will keep it handy in the future for all the meetings I attend. M.K. Beeby
★★★★★
This was a quick read, but the information is valuable. The book is written in a manner that makes confusing rules easy to understand. I will likely be carrying this to meetings. The authors are very knowledgeable and I am sure that I'll be using this as a regular reference tool. Diana T.
★★★★★
Sensible and straightforward--a wonderful mixture of professional insight and common sense, with applications to a wide range of meetings. Highly recommended! Thomas Griffin
★★★★★
The actual book of Robert's Rules of Order feels like it is part of the problem, it is too long and confusing. Mastering Council Meetings feels like the solution. It is easy and gives awesome real world examples. It includes actual things that I can say and I appreciate how it breaks it down in a way that can be quickly understood. If you need to use Robert's Rules of Order during your meetings then this book is a must have!! Thank you for making it so easy!! Jared Patrick
★★★★★
This is a must read for anyone who has just found themselves appointed to a board, committee or any formal assembly. Even those needing a brush-up on parliamentary procedure or a quick reference guide need to have this book.
The book is easy to follow, well written and uses the signature Jurassic Parliament touch to present meeting jargon and processes in simple and concrete terms.
This guide will definitely be a first suggestion to anyone serving on future committees with me to ensure meetings run smoothly and effectively. Christopher Mohs