Posts Tagged ‘politeness’
Insulting body language – what to do
Dear Dinosaur: We have a board member who rolls their eyes, sighs, shrugs their shoulders or grimaces while others are speaking. How can this be addressed? Answer: The rules of parliamentary procedure, and specifically Robert’s Rules of Order, require that all members of a body show courtesy and respect. We suggest requesting that the board…
Read MoreCitizen attacks fellow citizen, swears – what can be done?
Dear Dinosaur: During public comment at a virtual meeting, one citizen was making blasphemous comments about another citizen in attendance, was escalating in emotion, and calling him names and added a few cuss words. Then he pulls out pictures and past memos, etc. I’m clear about allowing the citizen his freedom of speech. He can…
Read MoreDanger Will Robinson! Public comment ahead!
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 MoreWhat are rights of ordinary members at nonprofit board meetings?
When you are considering the rights of ordinary members at nonprofit board meetings, first look to your state statutes.
Read MoreInterrupting is not allowed at meetings
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 MoreThe 12 stupidest meeting mistakes
In the 20 years since Jurassic Parliament began, we’ve seen a lot of dumb things happen at meetings. Here’s our dirty dozen—a list of the 12 stupidest meeting mistakes. If you have more to add, let us know! Failing to give notice Poor agenda Ignoring the quorum requirement Chair acting like a dictator A few…
Read MoreWhen should you interrupt a speaker?
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 MoreInappropriate remarks on nonprofit boards
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.
Read MoreInappropriate remarks on local government councils
If you serve as an elected official on a local government council or board, you should know the types of remarks that are inappropriate during discussion at meetings.
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