Meeting Parliamentarian

“[A] parliamentarian is a consultant, commonly a professional, who advises the president and other officers, committees, and members on parliamentary procedure…[which] may include assisting in the planning and steering of business to be introduced.”

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed.), page 465

The word “Parliamentarian” might invoke images of fancy politicians in the UK, but that’s not the kind we’re talking about. For organizations, parliamentarians are experts on parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules, whose main jobs are to make the President look good and help the meeting run smoothly.

Luckily for you, our Principal is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, the highest credential offered by the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). He’s served clients at the local, state, regional, and national levels, and has instructed on the NAP Body of Knowledge at several conferences.

Below are examples of typical engagements under this category of service. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a free consultation if you have questions or would like a quote.

Annual Meeting / Membership Meetings

Many organizations only hold one annual membership/shareholder meeting for the purpose of considering items of business like the annual budget, amendments to the Bylaws, and Board of Director Elections. Don’t allow members to delay the proceedings with dilatory and frivolous motions and objections. A Parliamentarian can be present to guide the President in the application of Robert’s Rules in order to ensure a smooth meeting.

Board and Executive Committee Meetings

Boards of Directors (also known as Boards of Trustees or Executive Boards) meet year-round to mange their association/corporation. Did you know that Robert’s Rules has expedited procedures for certain Boards? A Parliamentarian can help the Chairman unlock these procedures for productive (and compliant) board meetings.

Convention of Delegates

Many regional, state, and national organizations meet annually at conventions. There, delegates from the local constituent chapters comprise the group that votes on items like resolutions, officer elections, and bylaws amendments. A Parliamentarian can be a great partner when planning the business meeting aspects of a convention and crafting rules to help expedite the meeting.

Proxy Services / Floor Parliamentarian

Don’t allow a scheduling conflict to be the reason you miss out on an important meeting! Depending on your group’s governing documents, many corporations (and some associations) allow their membership to designate a proxy to attend a meeting on your behalf. Who better to send to than a Professional Registered Parliamentarian? Allow us to represent your interests while you sit back and relax. Subject to your organizations rules, you can designate a competent Parliamentarian to attend a meeting, make motions, and vote on your behalf. This designation can be custom-tailored to bind the proxy-holder to vote certain ways on anticipated items of business.