Robert's Rules in Plain English

by Zimmerman, Doris P.; Robert, Henry M.

• ISBN13: 9780062734761
• ISBN10: 0062734768
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-09-01
• Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary

At last, a book on parliamentary procedure that everyone can understand! <P> If you've ever had to run a meeting according to parliamentary procedures, you know just how difficult it is to keep track of all the rules, much less follow them. Figuring out what to say and how to say it seems an impossible task. <P> <I>Robert's Rules in Plain English</I> is the solution to that problem. Not only does it provide you with essential, basic rules in simple, straightforward English, it also includes sample dialogues so you can see exactly how those rules work in practice. <P> Using summaries, outlines, charts and forms, <I>Robert's Rules in Plain English</I> provides you with all you need to know to run a meeting successfully and to keep it on track.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi	(2)
Introduction	xiii
I. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE	1	(12)
1. How It All Began	3	(2)
2. The Purpose of Parliamentary Procedure	5	(2)
3. The Basic Rules of Parliamentary Procedure	7	(6)
II. WHAT OFFICERS NEED TO KNOW	13	(26)
4. Running a Meeting Effectively	15	(16)
PREPARING AN AGENDA	20	(2)
SCRIPT FOR A PRESIDING OFFICER	22	(3)
PARLIAMENTARY TECHNIQUES TO EXPEDITE BUSINESS	25	(6)
5. The Secretary and Minute Keeping	31	(4)
6. The Treasurer and His Duties	35	(4)
III. MOTIONS AND THEIR USE	39	(56)
7. Types of Motions	41	(7)
HOW A MOTION IS MADE AND ACTED UPON	44	(2)
RULES THAT GOVERN MAIN MOTIONS	46	(2)
8. Subsidiary Motions and Rank	48	(21)
AMEND	51	(9)
COMMIT	60	(2)
POSTPONE	62	(1)
LIMIT DEBATE	63	(1)
PREVIOUS QUESTION	64	(2)
CONCLUSION OF SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS	66	(1)
POSTPOME INDEFINITELY AND LAY ON THE TABLE	66	(3)
9. Privileged Motions	69	(3)
QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE	69	(1)
RECESS	70	(1)
ADJOURN	71	(1)
10. Incidental or Unranked Motions	72	(8)
POINT OF ORDER	72	(2)
APPEAL	74	(1)
POINT OF INFORMATION	75	(1)
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY	76	(1)
DIVISION	76	(1)
DIVISION OF A QUESTION	77	(1)
OBJECTION TO THE CONSIDERATION OF A QUESTION	78	(1)
PERMISSION TO WITHDRAW A MOTION	79	(1)
11. Restorative Motions or Motions That Bring Back a Question	80	(5)
RESCIND	80	(2)
RECONSIDER	82	(3)
12. Resolutions	85	(3)
13. Voting	88	(7)
IV. THE ORGANIZATION	95	(20)
14. Bylaws	97	(11)
CHANGING BYLAWS	101	(3)
HANDLING BYLAW AMENDMENTS	104	(2)
GIVING NOTICE OF BYLAW AMENDMENTS	106	(2)
15. The Board of Directors	108	(2)
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS IN A BOARD MEETING	109	(1)
16. Parliamentary Requirements of Conventions	110	(5)
SPECIAL RULES FOR A CONVENTION/ANNUAL MEETING	112	(1)
A SUGGESTED CONVENTION AGENDA	113	(2)
Endnote	115	(2)
A Glossary of Parliamentary Terms	117	(4)
Suggested Reading and Study	121	(2)
Index	123