Ann Macfarlane, Author at Jurassic Parliament

Successful staff interaction in local government meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / October 10, 2018 / Comments Off

Staff interaction in local government meetings can be effective or disastrous.

Starting a nonprofit? Here’s a helpful workbook

By Ann Macfarlane / October 5, 2018 / Comments Off

Cover of "Non-profit, Tax-Exempt Corporation Workbook" by Amy Hereford. The yellow cover features a small image of stacked papers near the center, ideal for anyone starting a nonprofit.

Are you planning to start your own nonprofit organization? The process is complex.

When is a quorum not enough?

By Ann Macfarlane / September 28, 2018 /

A red keyboard key with the word "OOPS!" written on it is seen among white keys, standing out like an error in correct meeting minutes.

It seems that confusion is rampant about the “quorum” and related voting issues. Read on:

Interrupting is not allowed at meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / September 7, 2018 / Comments Off

Woman with long brown hair making a time-out gesture with her hands, as if interrupting a conversation, standing in front of a vibrant green background.

Interrupting is one of the most common conversational gambits in our American society. It is not allowed at meetings run according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

No after-the-fact comments in minutes

By Ann Macfarlane / August 31, 2018 /

Portrait of a man with long curly hair, wearing a dark brown coat with gold buttons and a white cravat, standing against a plain background—an image that leaves little room for after-the-fact comments.

As our faithful readers know, Robert’s Rules affirms that minutes contain what is DONE, not what is SAID. Personal remarks and commentary do not belong in meeting minutes. By extension there is no place for after-the-fact comments in the minutes, either. The minutes are the record of the meeting itself. If your council or board…

Beware of negativity bias

By Ann Macfarlane / August 25, 2018 / Comments Off

A woman with long blonde hair sits in a black office chair, holding a pen and making a doubtful expression. She is wearing a black blazer and white shirt, her face subtly reflecting the negativity bias she's wrestling with.

Human beings have a sharp and useful instinct for the negative.

Counting a vote wrong is dangerous

By Ann Macfarlane / August 16, 2018 / Comments Off

Red ballot box with "Every Vote Counts!" written on the front, containing a few white papers sticking out of the slot. Ensuring accuracy is paramount; counting a vote wrong undermines our democracy.

Updated November 18, 2022 Counting a vote wrong can land you in big trouble. As readers know, the QUORUM is the minimum number of voting members who must be present for business to be done. Once you have your quorum in place, you can take action by discussion and voting. (Read “what is a quorum”…

Essential Guidelines for Small Casual Groups

By Ann Macfarlane / August 2, 2018 / Comments Off

A small casual group of people sits at a table during a meeting. Laptops, papers, and coffee cups are scattered about. Framed photos decorate the wall in the background.

Many small casual groups spend too much time in discussion. Seeking consensus, time can be wasted and little progress made.

What are the 11 duties of the chair?

By Ann Macfarlane / July 23, 2018 / Comments Off

City council chamber with a wooden backdrop, an American flag, and six empty chairs at a curved desk. The city’s emblem is centered on the wall behind the desk, where the duties of chair are often discussed and delegated.

Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the chair of a meeting has 11 duties. These duties are listed in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition, the only official and current version of Robert’s Rules, in section 47:7. Download PDF THE MEETING may be that of a city council, a nonprofit board, a professional society,…

Choosing citizens by lottery: recipe for disaster?

By Ann Macfarlane / July 16, 2018 / Comments Off

The Washington Citizen’s Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials chooses half its 20 members by lottery.

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Ann Macfarlane

Successful staff interaction in local government meetings

Starting a nonprofit? Here’s a helpful workbook

When is a quorum not enough?

Interrupting is not allowed at meetings

No after-the-fact comments in minutes

Beware of negativity bias

Counting a vote wrong is dangerous

Essential Guidelines for Small Casual Groups

What are the 11 duties of the chair?

Choosing citizens by lottery: recipe for disaster?

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