Posts Tagged ‘nonprofit boards’
Do Robert’s Rules drive you crazy?
When I posted this question, Betsy Cawn of Lake County, California wrote a short and pungent response. Much appreciated, Betsy! Thanks to you, Ann, Robert’s Rules DO NOT drive me crazy — but unlearned colleagues who refuse to even discuss the abbreviated set of “simple guidelines” you provide certainly DO. Somewhere between the extreme formality…
Read MoreProcessing motions in Robert’s Rules
There are eight steps to processing ordinary motions in Robert’s Rules. Download PDF At the right time in the agenda, after the member has been recognized by the chair, A member makes a motion. Another member seconds the motion. The chair states the motion. Members discuss and/or amend the motion. The chair restates the motion…
Read MoreAgenda in Robert’s Rules
Taking the time to construct a powerful agenda will make a big difference to your meetings. Avoid these agenda mistakes: An agenda that would take two days to get through, not two hours. An agenda that fails to assign suggested time limits for discussion. An agenda that is emailed at 6:00 am for a 7:00…
Read MoreConsent agenda: great tool for speedier meetings
One of the most useful tools for efficient meetings is a “consent agenda.” This is a single item of business on a regular agenda that includes several items bundled together. The items cannot be discussed or debated. They are approved with a single vote. To learn about agendas in general, read our article here. Download…
Read MoreBoards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms
It is fine for board members of a private nonprofit to use Slack or other group messaging platforms to deal with administrative matters like when the next board meeting will be held.
Read MoreWhen does chair discuss and vote?
Confusion about the role of the chair at meetings can be widespread. Here are some parameters.
Read MoreEssential Guidelines for Small Casual Groups
Many small casual groups spend too much time in discussion. Seeking consensus, time can be wasted and little progress made.
Read MoreDuty of care is critical for nonprofit board directors
Guest post by Colette Collier Trohan. Directors of nonprofit boards will find this outline of their duty of care an invaluable guide.
Read MoreSmall board rules are different
The different rules for small boards are one of the best-kept secrets of Robert’s Rules of Order. If you serve on a small board (up to about 12 people) you may benefit from the flexibility that the rules for small boards offer. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition (the only current valid version…
Read MoreYou can’t vote by email
Several of our clients have been startled recently to learn that they can’t vote by email. Email is so ubiquitous and useful that it seems like a natural way to make decisions. For boards, it is not. The essential nature of a board of directors is to meet, discuss and decide affairs as a body.…
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