decorum

Rights and Responsibilities of the Member

By Ann Macfarlane / October 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Rights and Responsibilities of the Member
A notice pinned to a bulletin board displays the text "Know Your Member Rights and Responsibilities" in bold, black letters.

Weldon L. Merritt, PRP, CPP, has graciously authorized Jurassic Parliament to publish this listing of the rights and responsibilities of ordinary members of an organization. All citations are taken from Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition (RONR). Download PDF Please note that neither the list of member rights nor the list of member…

Read More

Sanctioning rogue board members

By Ann Macfarlane / July 19, 2019 /
A close-up of a gorilla with a stern expression, as if enforcing a sanction, against a blurred green background.

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. What can be done? We believe that it’s important for boards to be prepared to sanction rogue members when necessary. Download PDF This is an unpleasant subject.…

Read More

The Outlier Syndrome in Governing Bodies

By Ann Macfarlane / June 26, 2019 / Comments Off on The Outlier Syndrome in Governing Bodies
Silhouette of an outlier wolf howling on a cliff against a backdrop of a full moon and starry night sky.

Guest post by Tami A. Tanoue, CIRSA Executive Director Those who have been working with municipalities for an extended period have observed a phenomenon that occurs at the governing body level.  Let’s call this phenomenon the Outlier Syndrome.

Read More

Danger Will Robinson! Public comment ahead!

By Ann Macfarlane / June 12, 2019 / Comments Off on Danger Will Robinson! Public comment ahead!
Title page of a document with the heading, “Danger Will Robinson: Advising City Councils on Enforcement of Council Rules of Decorum,” and a quote about the role of public comment in the city's governance.

This post offers our readers a brilliant paper by municipal attorney Brett Vinson on the dangers of public comment. Anyone involved in receiving comment from the public during meetings will find it interesting and valuable. Read about the Nazi salute in Santa Cruz, singing a Whitney Houston song to express love for a councilmember, and…

Read More

They threw him out of Parliament. You can sanction too.

By Ann Macfarlane / December 12, 2018 /
A golden scepter topped with a cross and intricate crown-like structure, featuring detailed engravings and ornate decorations along its length, symbolizing royal sanction.

High drama in the House of Commons as Member of Parliament expelled for the day.

Read More

Interrupting is not allowed at meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / September 7, 2018 / Comments Off on Interrupting is not allowed at meetings
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.

Read More

Don’t say “so moved” or “same sign”

By Ann Macfarlane / June 19, 2018 / Comments Off on Don’t say “so moved” or “same sign”
Image containing a gavel tilted to the right with the text "So Moved" prominently displayed in bold, white letters against a vibrant blue background.

It’s common for people to say “so moved” when they agree with something a speaker says. Often this is a kind of enthusiastic endorsement. BUT…What exactly was moved? If the remarks or proposal were vague, it is not clear what was intended. We recommend that people NOT use this phrase. However, if someone does say, “So moved,” the chair…

Read More

When should you interrupt a speaker?

By Ann Macfarlane / April 26, 2018 / Comments Off on When should you interrupt a speaker?
A wooden gavel rests atop its matching sound block, symbolizing law and justice, swiftly silencing any inappropriate remarks in the courtroom.

We see so many instances of rude behavior in public life today that it is not easy to keep our bearings about civility. Polite people who have been well brought up sometimes feel stymied when public discourse disintegrates. 

Read More

CHEAT SHEET Language Tips for Meeting Management

By Ann Macfarlane / February 26, 2018 / Comments Off on CHEAT SHEET Language Tips for Meeting Management
A handheld silver and black microphone is mounted on a black microphone stand against a white background, ready to provide language tips.

Do you feel flummoxed by the language of Robert’s Rules? Is it a challenge for you to keep things running smoothly at your meetings? We have just what you need!

Read More

Inappropriate remarks on nonprofit boards

By Ann Macfarlane / December 18, 2017 / Comments Off on Inappropriate remarks on nonprofit boards
Three people sit at a table during a meeting, with notepads and a can of soda in front of them. They appear to be listening attentively, ensuring no inappropriate remarks disrupt the focus.

If you serve as a director on a nonprofit board, you should know the types of remarks that are inappropriate during discussion at a meeting. Robert’s Rules of Order and the common parliamentary law it is based on require that: Directors on a board must be courteous to one another. They must speak to the…

Read More