To help meetings run smoothly, the parliamentarian’s key role is to assist the president. This might include keeping a speakers list and acting as a timekeeper to work through the agenda.
The parliamentarian also provides advice on parliamentary procedure to assist the president in making a ruling, to facilitate the business of a meeting and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.
That’s why knowing more about parliamentary procedure is valuable. It is grounded on five, basic principles:
- Order – 1 business item at a time
- Equal Opportunity – Chance to participate
- Justice – Fairness | Everyone understands
- Right of Minority – To be heard
- Right of Majority – To decide
Focusing on these ‘rules of the game’ when running a meeting goes a long way to help a PTA accomplish its goals fairly.
Did You Know …? The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised is the parliamentary text that governs the PTA where the bylaws do not apply. However, the Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units always take precedence over Robert’s Rules of Order.
Eight Steps to Making a Motion
Amendments
