Education is not the only key to success
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Rules For Meetings
3. The Problem With Rules
4. Rules For Small Group Meetings?
5. Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance
6. Consensus: Another Method of Decision Making in Groups
7. Conclusion
8. References
Introduction
Most groups use some form of parliamentary procedure for their meetings. This Factsheet not only briefly explains proper parliamentary procedure for more formal meetings, but also describes acceptable alternatives for decision-making in smaller groups.
Rules For Meetings
Just as the object of a game gives direction to its players, traditional principles of a democratic meeting guide group members when they gather:
1. Every member has rights equal to every other member.
2. The will of the majority must be carried out.
3. The minority must be heard, and its rights protected.
4. Only one topic will be considered at a time.
In order to play a particular game, certain rules for that game must be followed. "Parliamentary procedure" is a set of rules for meetings which ensures that the traditional principles of equality, harmony and efficiency are kept. Robert's Rules of Order, the best-known description of standard parliamentary procedure, is used by many different organizations as their rule book for conducting effective meetings.
The Problem With Rules
The saying "Rules are meant to be broken ..." implies that no rules are perfect. The parliamentary rules used in government provide guidance for a body of hundreds of people meeting daily for months with a great volume of business to conduct.
These same rules are not appropriate for all organizations. How rigid are your meetings? Does too much technical procedure (motions, amendments, seconding, etc.) get in the way of effective decision-making and total group discussion? Too much formality in a meeting will frustrate and discourage members when the proceedings "bog down". Parliamentary rules for meetings are intended to help the group
1. Introduction
2. Rules For Meetings
3. The Problem With Rules
4. Rules For Small Group Meetings?
5. Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance
6. Consensus: Another Method of Decision Making in Groups
7. Conclusion
8. References
Introduction
Most groups use some form of parliamentary procedure for their meetings. This Factsheet not only briefly explains proper parliamentary procedure for more formal meetings, but also describes acceptable alternatives for decision-making in smaller groups.
Rules For Meetings
Just as the object of a game gives direction to its players, traditional principles of a democratic meeting guide group members when they gather:
1. Every member has rights equal to every other member.
2. The will of the majority must be carried out.
3. The minority must be heard, and its rights protected.
4. Only one topic will be considered at a time.
In order to play a particular game, certain rules for that game must be followed. "Parliamentary procedure" is a set of rules for meetings which ensures that the traditional principles of equality, harmony and efficiency are kept. Robert's Rules of Order, the best-known description of standard parliamentary procedure, is used by many different organizations as their rule book for conducting effective meetings.
The Problem With Rules
The saying "Rules are meant to be broken ..." implies that no rules are perfect. The parliamentary rules used in government provide guidance for a body of hundreds of people meeting daily for months with a great volume of business to conduct.
These same rules are not appropriate for all organizations. How rigid are your meetings? Does too much technical procedure (motions, amendments, seconding, etc.) get in the way of effective decision-making and total group discussion? Too much formality in a meeting will frustrate and discourage members when the proceedings "bog down". Parliamentary rules for meetings are intended to help the group