Why might you need a Parliamentarian?
Five minutes into a Convention, the delegates were voting on the proposed Convention Rules–there was a motion to adopt the Rules, a proposed amendment, a ruling by the Chair on the amendment, a vote on the Rules (adopted by 2/3 vote), a re-statement of the amendment, a ruling by the chair on the vote required to adopt the amendment, an appeal from the decision of the Chair, a vote on the appeal (majority vote, Chair’s decision sustained), and a vote on the amendment (2/3 vote required, lost).
That’s why you’d want a Parliamentarian right next to the Chair.
Fees
There is no fee for an initial conversation. Normally my fees range from $125 to $150 per hour. The amount is established once I know what your issues are and what help you need.
Parliamentarians are advisors.
They assist the Chair in running a meeting by advising how to follow the rules. What is the most important rule? Be fair. And the second most important rule? Communicate clearly. People can disagree, but meetings deteriorate quickly if people think they are not being treated fairly.
Conventions
Organizations that follow Robert’s Rules of Order start their Conventions under Robert’s Rules. Then the Convention adopts rules specific to the Convention. These rules usually restrict members’ rights (such as setting a time limit on debate (e.g., debate on a motion will last 20 minutes) or setting a time limit on speaking (e.g., a speaker can debate a motion for up to two minutes instead of the 10 minutes allowed by Robert’s Rules)).
Usually a script helps the Chair run the meeting smoothly. A script helps anticipate upcoming motions. Then the Chair knows what to say in handling a motion and what vote is required. A Parliamentarian advises the Chair in following the rules and typically assists with script writing for a Convention.
Presiding at a meeting
It can be desirable to have a neutral party run a meeting. Parliamentarians are often hired to do this.
Amending the bylaws
It is one of the Fiduciary Duties of directors to following the governing documents. Therefore, it is good practice to read the organization’s bylaws at least once a year. Actions should be consistent with the bylaws! Many organizations amend their bylaws at every Annual Meeting or at every Convention.
An organization also may have standing rules. These rules should not contradict the bylaws. It is helpful to get the advice of a Parliamentarian when writing or revising your Bylaws.
Governance of your organization
Robert’s Rules of Order is not the only authority around [1], but it is in common use. Bylaws should stipulate a Parliamentary Authority. Why? For the situations not in your Bylaws–there’s no point trying to figure out what to do about something–you just look it up.
For example, a motion was adopted but now you want to un-do that motion. Can you do that? How do you do that? [2.]
Someone makes a motion that you think is entirely improper. Is there a motion that would prevent an improper motion from being discussed? [3.]
You would like to revise your bylaws, as changes are needed throughout. How do you do that? [4.]
- Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure; Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure; American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (2nd ed., published 2023)
- Rescind a motion, RONR (12th ed.) 35:1-12; Reconsider a motion, RONR (12th ed.) 37:1-10
- Object to Consideration of the Question, RONR (12th ed.) 26:1-9
- Revision of Bylaws, RONR (12th ed.) 57:5
Elections
Sometimes an organization needs help with elections–carrying them out properly; having an outsider provide oversight; or having non members collect and count ballots. A parliamentarian can help run the election ‘by the book’.
(A couple of things to know about elections: the Chair must always take nominations from the floor, unless the Bylaws say otherwise. The motion before you (implicitly adopted) is: I move that we hold an election. Then the issue is: who is being nominated? That is why nominations do not require a second. Once you have the nomination(s), the question is: do I vote for this person or that person? Not do I vote Yes or No for one particular person. )