Posts

Parliamentary procedure for junior and high schools

By Ann Macfarlane / May 2, 2019 / Comments Off on Parliamentary procedure for junior and high schools
A group of students sitting in a classroom, some with hands raised. They are holding papers and participating in a script reading exercise. A projection screen and an American flag are visible, typical scenes in schools across the country.

This week I had the pleasure of presenting Jurassic Parliament to Kate Plesha’s student government class at Roosevelt High School.

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Enforcement

By Ann Macfarlane / April 25, 2019 / Comments Off on Enforcement
A man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt and red polka dot tie, is smiling at the camera against a black background. With an air of calm authority, his demeanor suggests a seasoned expert in enforcement.

Guest post by Craig Freshley. We are big fans of Craig’s wisdom and are delighted to share this post with our readers. Visit Craig’s website for more superb tips on meetings and leadership. In principle, decisions without enforcement grow weak and eventually wither. When rules or policies are not enforced it causes confusion, resentment, and…

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Dangers of consensus decision-making

By Ann Macfarlane / April 9, 2019 /
A winding road with a deep, jagged crack branching outward in multiple directions, as if nature itself couldn't reach a consensus on which path to follow.

At a recent nonprofit board conference, I asked participants how they discuss and decide their issues. The majority of the attendees at my session agreed that they use “informal consensus.” Download PDF What is informal consensus? Here is a description of informal consensus from Andy Robinson’s book, Great Boards for Small Groups: Someone presents an…

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School Board President Role and Responsibilities

By Ann Macfarlane / April 2, 2019 /
A group of men and women sit at a long table under a sign reading "Alpine School District." They are engaged in a discussion.

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.

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Grab this brilliant free “quick-guide” poster today!

By Ann Macfarlane / March 18, 2019 /
A group of people sit around a conference table, attentively listening to a person at the podium giving a presentation, while a colorful poster hangs on the wall behind them.

The City of Olympia has given us permission to share this quick-guide poster, which you may adapt for your own meetings.

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Boards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms

By Ann Macfarlane / March 14, 2019 / Comments Off on Boards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms
A word cloud with terms related to social media, such as "social," "media," "group messaging platforms," "content," "network," and "blogging" in various font sizes and colors.

Update on June 4, 2020  –   Things have changed this spring because of the COVID-19 crisis. Some states have amended their laws or issued emergency orders changing their rules on remote meetings and email voting. This guidance may no longer apply. Check with your attorney before deciding what to do. It is fine for board…

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Unraveling the mysteries of “second the motion”

By Ann Macfarlane / March 6, 2019 /
The word "SECOND!" is displayed in green, stylized font at an upward angle on a white background, as if to second the motion with enthusiasm.

Updated November 19, 2022 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. Let’s unravel the mysteries. Second the motion—why? Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition, says that a person seconds a motion in order to…

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Time limits create productive meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / February 27, 2019 / Comments Off on Time limits create productive meetings
A hand holds a stopwatch with an analog display, showing the seconds and minutes, emphasizing the importance of time limits.

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.

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After amending bylaws, secretary must…

By Ann Macfarlane / February 20, 2019 / Comments Off on After amending bylaws, secretary must…
amend bylaws

Do you find this dangling headline annoying? Unfortunately bylaws are often left dangling. Once you’ve amended your bylaws, here are some important steps to take. Prepare a copy of the amended bylaws that contains all changes that were made. Make sure that “track changes” has not tricked you into unexpected errors. Review all the numbering…

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When does chair discuss and vote?

By Ann Macfarlane / February 13, 2019 / Comments Off on When does chair discuss and vote?
A tall, dark wooden chair with a high, tufted green leather backrest and seat, flanked by wooden columns—perfect for discussing and voting on important matters.

Confusion about the role of the chair at meetings can be widespread. Here are some parameters. Download PDF Chair of large meeting does not discuss and vote When a large assembly (group) is meeting, the chair serves as a facilitator. The chair does not take part in debate (discussion) and does not vote, unless the…

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