rights of members

Motion to censure in Kaysville, Utah

By Ann Macfarlane / January 4, 2018 / Comments Off on Motion to censure in Kaysville, Utah
A red stamp with the word "CENSURE" in all capital letters, symbolizing a motion to censure, on a white background.

Here in Salt Lake City for the Utah School Boards Association, I find an interesting news item. The Kaysville city council is scheduled to pass a motion to censure a council member and request his resignation at this evening’s meeting. Read the Salt Lake Tribune news story here. Why pass a motion to censure? The…

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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…

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Inappropriate remarks on local government councils

By Ann Macfarlane / December 14, 2017 / Comments Off on Inappropriate remarks on local government councils
A wooden gavel rests on its base against a white background, commonly used in courtrooms and legal proceedings to maintain order and address inappropriate remarks.

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. Robert’s Rules of Order and the common parliamentary law it is based on require that: Members of a council or board must be courteous to one another.…

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Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / October 6, 2017 / Comments Off on Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings
Cover of the "Citizen's Guide to Effective Conduct of Public Meetings Using Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order in Washington State." Features a panel of nine individuals.

Your Citizen’s Guide to Effective Public Meetings is now available for interested citizens and residents. If you want to know the expectations for public meetings under parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, explained clearly and elegantly, download this Citizen’s Guide today!

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4 bad habits to avoid at council meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / August 6, 2016 / Comments Off on 4 bad habits to avoid at council meetings
Five people in business attire are seated at a conference table with notebooks and microphones. An American flag is in the background.

There are a number of “urban myths” about Robert’s Rules of Order that can get in the way of democratic process for your council. If your municipality, county council, or special district avoids these bad habits, congratulations! If these errors happen at your meetings, however, you might want to bring them to the attention of your colleagues…

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Who can make a motion?

By Ann Macfarlane / April 17, 2015 / Comments Off on Who can make a motion?
Five people in professional attire pose for a group photo in an office setting, with an American flag and a large map in the background. One of them appears ready to make a motion, adding an air of formality and purpose to the scene.

As part of our crusade to de-mystify Robert’s Rules of Order and empower people serving on nonprofit boards, city councils, and other governing bodies, we would like to address a simple question: who can make a motion? The answer is: you! If you are a voting member of one of these bodies, and it functions…

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