Question to Susan

The ideal combination would be a real estate lawyer and a parliamentarian for start up organizations. That person can help write good bylaws or go over your current bylaws to help prevent snafoos like some of the ones we see on this board. A Professional Registered Parliamentarian, certified by the National Association of Parliamentarians, is a recognized expert on Robert’s Rules of Order. You can google that name and find one in your area OR at least a person who is well versed on parliamentary procedures.

What is a Parliamentarian?
A parliamentarian is a consultant who helps organizations develop and understand their bylaws and other governing documents. A parliamentarian advises the president, officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure in order to conduct productive, efficient, and legal meetings.

What is Parliamentary Procedure?
Parliamentary Procedure is simply a set of rules to make meetings more efficient and effective. Parliamentary Procedure is designed to help members of organizations discuss common issues and decide on actions. There are some good reasons for using Parliamentary Procedure:

You will get more done in less time by following orderly procedures
You will encourage greater participation by all members
You will ensure fair decision-making
You will protect the rights of all members, including those present at the meeting, those absent, the majority, the minority, and the entire organization
You will develop more effective leaders
You will help ensure the legal status of your meetings according to the laws of society and your own organization

What is a Parliamentary Authority?
A parliamentary authority refers to the specific procedural book adopted by an organization. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised is the most well-known parliamentary manual. It has been adopted by more than 90% of all organizations in North America. It is important to use the current edition of your parliamentary authority. Most will use Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition or Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief. Alice Sturgis' set of parliamentary procedures are also used.

I used to think that RONR was an old and stuffy way for how to run a meeting, but now - after seeing some of the issues people deal with at meetings - I think that it is the ONLY way.

Good luck!