Robert’s Rules of Order
Removing the chair during a meeting
What can you do when a chair (presiding officer, person running the meeting) refuses to follow Robert’s Rules, abuses their power, or acts in an arbitrary manner?
Read MoreSuspend the rules with extreme caution
The motion to Suspend the Rules is a trap for the unwary. Be careful in using this motion and avoid doing things that may get you into big trouble.
Read MoreSanctioning rogue board members
In general, people who serve on nonprofit boards or in local government are peaceful and compliant. But every once in a while, you get a rogue board member.
Read MoreParliamentary procedure for junior and high schools
This week I had the pleasure of presenting Jurassic Parliament to Kate Plesha’s student government class at Roosevelt High School.
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 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 MorePoint of Order and Appeal are heart of democracy
In our view, the motions Point of Order and Appeal are the heart of our democracy.
Read MoreHenry Martyn Robert III, R.I.P.
Announcement from the National Association of Parliamentarians We are deeply saddened to share that Henry M. Robert III, grandson of General Henry M. Robert, author of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised and honorary President of the National Association of Parliamentarians, peacefully passed away the morning of Sunday, January 6. Mr. Robert’s presence and guidance…
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