parliamentary procedure

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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Henry Martyn Robert III, R.I.P.

By Ann Macfarlane / January 10, 2019 /
Image of an elderly man, Henry Martyn Robert III, with birth and death dates: June 20, 1920 - January 6, 2019, on a blue background.

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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Follow four fundamental guidelines for successful meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / January 3, 2019 / Comments Off on Follow four fundamental guidelines for successful meetings
Six people sit behind a large wooden desk with American and green flags in the background in a meeting room, discussing four fundamental guidelines.

Robert’s Rules of Order includes four fundamental guidelines that will create successful meetings. They are easy to say but take some effort to apply, since prevailing culture is often very different. Run your meetings according to these guidelines so your meetings—and your organization—will flourish. Download PDF I. The person running the meeting is the servant of…

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The chair is not in charge of your meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / December 27, 2018 / Comments Off on The chair is not in charge of your meeting
Diagram of a triangular hierarchy with "BOSS" at the top, indicating who's in charge. Arrows point from "BOSS" to three positions at the bottom corners, showing direct reporting lines.

It is a little-known fact that ultimately it is the board that is in charge of your meeting, not the chair. According to the principles of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, the chair runs the meeting while subject to the will of the body as a whole. This is very different from the…

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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.

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Put away your cell phone on the dais

By Ann Macfarlane / December 7, 2018 /
sign restricting cell phones

Jurassic Parliament strongly recommends that local governments establish a policy requiring elected officials to put away their cell phones while on the dais.

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Make better decisions using Exploratory Round Robin

By Ann Macfarlane / November 23, 2018 / Comments Off on Make better decisions using Exploratory Round Robin
Three individuals sit at a conference table taking notes during a meeting. A can of soda and a snack bag are on the table, while one person looks visibly uncomfortable after inappropriate remarks were made.

You can make better decisions about complicated proposals by using the Exploratory Round Robin.

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You must call for the negative vote

By Ann Macfarlane / October 23, 2018 / Comments Off on You must call for the negative vote
A hand with a dark sleeve is giving a negative vote gesture, thumbs-down, against a white background.

Updated November 18, 2022 One of the surprising rules about voting is that when taking the vote, the chair MUST call for the negative vote—even if the chair is perfectly certain that there were enough votes in favor to pass the motion. This ensures that everyone enjoys their full right to vote, even if they…

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When is a quorum not enough?

By Ann Macfarlane / September 28, 2018 /
A red keyboard key with the word "OOPS!" written on it is seen among white keys, standing out like an error in correct meeting minutes.

It seems that confusion is rampant about the “quorum” and related voting issues. Read on:

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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.

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