duties of chair

“Stand at ease” creates breathing space in meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / March 4, 2020 / Comments Off on “Stand at ease” creates breathing space in meetings
A beach scene with a wooden lounge chair standing at ease under a white umbrella on the sandy shore, with a clear blue sky and the calm sea in the background.

  Have you ever had one of those desperate moments in a meeting where you just don’t know what to do? I certainly have! There is a great tool to use at such a time. The chair can direct the members to “stand at ease.” This means that business of the meeting is on pause…

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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…

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Control disorder in your chambers

By Ann Macfarlane / October 22, 2019 / Comments Off on Control disorder in your chambers
gavel descending in stages

Local governments face a tough climate these days. Customs of courtesy have faded and people are often both passionate and rude about their issues. If you are a mayor or presiding officer of a public body, it is critical that you control disorder in your chambers. Council meetings are meetings of the council The basic…

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Remedies for abuse of authority by the chair in a meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / September 25, 2019 / Comments Off on Remedies for abuse of authority by the chair in a meeting
Cover of the book "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 12th Edition," featuring authors Henry M. Robert III, Daniel H. Honemann, Thomas J. Balch, Daniel E. Seabold, and Shmuel Gerber; this essential guide includes crucial small board rules for effective meeting management.

Updated August 26, 2021 Abuse of authority by the chair can be challenging. Here is the guidance from Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition. Our blog posts listed below give more information on the practical aspects of dealing with abuse of authority by the chair. Download PDF Remedies for Abuse of Authority by…

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Removing the chair during a meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / July 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Removing the chair during a meeting
Red text on white background saying "YOU'RE OUT!" in uppercase letters, similar to a stamp, as if removing a director.

Updated November 19, 2022 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? The first step is to make a Point of Order bringing the error to the chair’s attention. If the chair rules against you, you…

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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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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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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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Getting your board to buy in to Robert’s Rules

By Ann Macfarlane / January 31, 2019 /
A diagram with three steps: Step 1 in green says "Educate," Step 2 in blue says "Adopt and buy-in," and Step 3 in orange says "Enforce.

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. How to ease the council into more parliamentary procedure without confusing them?” It’s a great question. Here are three steps you can take to get your council or board to…

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Point of Order and Appeal are heart of democracy

By Ann Macfarlane / January 18, 2019 /
A red stop sign with two lights is attached to the side of a yellow vehicle, next to the text "NO," serving as a clear point of order for passing drivers.

In our view, the motions Point of Order and Appeal are the heart of our democracy. They provide the mechanism to stop a dictatorial chair who is acting like a “boss.” They are essential  for every local government body, nonprofit board, and any group that functions on democratic principles. Learn how to use them to ensure…

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