Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

Purpose:

• To educate board members on parliamentary procedure and its use in board decision-making.
• To practice a few of Robert’s Rules.

 

Brief Introduction:

A Brief History of Robert's Rules of Order

Tell participants that “Robert” was Henry Martin Robert, a young union officer during the Civil War, who later became a general and the head of the Washington, D.C. district. Gen. Robert took on the task of codifying and simplifying the rules of procedure of the United States House of Representatives. The work was completed in 1876, at which time he adapted those rules to fit other civic organizations.

For further information: “The Board Member’s Book,” by
Brian O’Connell, The Foundation Center, 1985.

Why use Robert's Rules?

1. Provides equal opportunity for all people to speak.
2. Maintains a sense of order in a meeting, as only one topic can be discussed at one time.
3. The majority opinion still prevails, but minority opinions have been stated.
4. Encourages a continuation of a tradition in the conduct of a board.
   
   

What are the disadvantages?

1. It is a complicated process and can bog down a board’s discussion and action.
2. It may not encourage creativity and risk-taking ideas.
3. It is a difficult procedure to learn and to feel comfortable using.
   

The Parliamentary Procedure Game

1. Give each participant a large piece of construction paper with a parliamentary procedure word written on it in large letters.
   
   
2. Ask participants to form a circle (using chairs or sitting on the floor.) Begin the game by asking that each time a word is mentioned in the following narrative, the person holding the word stands. Listening is a key skill for this activity.

   If facilitator wants a quieter version, participants can hold
   cards above their heads.

3. Begin with the words in capitals on the construction paper given to the participants.

Facilitator Reads:

The CHAIR calls the meeting to order. CHAIR asks for approval of the MINUTES of the previous meeting. VOTE is taken and MINUTES are approved. First item on the AGENDA is a MAIN MOTION by a member of the Program Committee. MAIN MOTION states that “the Youth As Trustees board will participate in the city’s Volunteer Fair.”

CHAIR asks for a SECOND. MOTION is SECONDED. DISCUSSION is now open on the MAIN MOTION. A member wants to AMEND the MAIN MOTION to state, “will participate in the city’s Volunteer Fair — AMENDMENT — for one day only.” AMENDMENT requires a SECOND.

Group needs to VOTE on the AMENDMENT, “for one day only.” VOTE is taken and AMENDMENT is approved. AMENDMENT is added to the MAIN MOTION. CHAIR calls for DISCUSSION on the AMENDED MAIN MOTION. Several members mention that with their work schedules and sports activities one day is about all the time they have to give to the Fair. A member asks if all board members need to participate in the Fair or if others may help.

The CHAIR states that the MOTION says, “Board members,” but others may be encouraged to attend the Fair. Looking at his watch, another member says, “CALL FOR THE QUESTION.” CHAIR asks the BOARD SECRETARY to read the AMENDED MAIN MOTION. SECRETARY reads, “The Youth As Trustees board will participate in the city’s Volunteer Fair for one day only.” VOTE is taken and a MAJORITY of the members approve the AMENDED MOTION.

CHAIR asks the SECRETARY to include the AMENDED MOTION in the Board MINUTES. The CHAIR asks if there is “further business to discuss?” Hearing none, the CHAIR declares the board meeting ADJOURNED and reminds board members to sign-up to work at the Volunteer Fair.