Posts by Ann Macfarlane
Dangers of consensus decision-making
At a recent nonprofit board conference, I asked participants how they discuss and decide their issues.
Read MoreSchool Board President Role and Responsibilities
This list of school board president role and responsibilities was presented by former Board President John Burton and Superintendent Sam Jarman of the Alpine School District at a workshop organized by the Utah School Boards Association.
Read MoreGrab this brilliant free “quick-guide” poster today!
The City of Olympia has given us permission to share this quick-guide poster, which you may adapt for your own meetings.
Read MoreBoards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms
It is fine for board members of a private nonprofit to use Slack or other group messaging platforms to deal with administrative matters like when the next board meeting will be held.
Read MoreUnraveling the mysteries of “second the motion”
Second the motion—everybody knows how to do that, right? Well, in fact there are some funny ideas floating around about this ordinary act of meeting procedure.
Read MoreTime limits create productive meetings
The mayor of Alexandria, Virginia began council meetings by responding to each person giving public comment, sometimes delaying the start of regular business three hours or more.
Read MoreAfter amending bylaws, secretary must…
Do you find this dangling headline annoying? Unfortunately bylaws are often left dangling.
Read MoreWhen does chair discuss and vote?
Confusion about the role of the chair at meetings can be widespread. Here are some parameters.
Read MoreGetting your board to buy in to Robert’s Rules
A reader writes, “The city council has never used much parliamentary procedure in our meetings. People speak when they want and sidebar discussions are common.
Read MoreRegistered Parliamentarian exam to change in June 2019
If you are interested in becoming a parliamentarian, you may want to review the changes planned by the National Association of Parliamentarians for its Registered Parliamentarian examination and credential.
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