Robert's Rules for Dummies

The classic Robert's Rules of Order has a proven track record of helping membership groups apply codes of conduct to serve as a parliamentary authority within a given assembly. Unfortunately, when read on its own, it can prove to be unclear and hard to follow for many organizations—and that's where this friendly guide comes in. This new edition of Robert's Rules For Dummies demystifies the often-confusing rules of parliamentary procedure in clear, simple language and shows you how to apply them within your organization in a practical and effective way.

From procedures for proper nominations to handling elections and ballots, from conducting meetings online to voting by mail and email—and everything in between—this hands-on, plain-English guide makes it easier to apply the information in the most recent version of the rules handbook so you and your organization can start benefiting from it today.

• Contains updated content that conforms to changes in business meetings, including special rules for making group decisions in both real-time and non-real-time environments
• Covers new timesaving tips to make meetings more efficient in a world where everyone is pressed for time
• Provides sample agendas, minutes, scripts, and more
• Includes interactive online material for readers on the go

If you want to keep meetings organized, efficient, and on track, Robert's Rules For Dummies has you covered.

C. Alan Jennings is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) credentialed by the National Association of Parliamentarians. He is past president of the Louisiana Association of Parliamentarians, and is a member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Introduction 1

Part 1: It’s Parliamentary, My Dear: Participating Effectively in Meetings 7

CHAPTER 1: Following the Rules (Robert’s, That Is) 9

CHAPTER 2: Defining the Organization: Bylaws and Other Rules 19

CHAPTER 3: Meetings: Making Group Decisions 37

CHAPTER 4: Notice and a Quorum 51

CHAPTER 5: Ordering Business: The Agenda 63

Part 2: Motions: Putting Ideas into Action 75

CHAPTER 6: Main Motions: Proposing Ideas for Group Action 77

CHAPTER 7: Debate: Discussing the Pros and Cons of Ideas 97

CHAPTER 8: Making Group Decisions: Voting on the Motion 115

CHAPTER 9: Subsidiary Motions: Helping to Process the Main Motion 137

CHAPTER 10: Privileged Motions: Getting Through the Meeting 167

CHAPTER 11: Incidental Motions: Dealing with Questions of Procedure 183

CHAPTER 12: Haven’t We Decided This Already? Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly 217

Part 3: Getting Involved in Leadership 237

CHAPTER 13: Who’s Going to Do the Work? Following Nomination Procedures 239

CHAPTER 14: Holding Elections and Making Appointments 251

CHAPTER 15: Running the Show: Officers and Directors 267

CHAPTER 16: Gearing Up for the Real Action: Committees 283

CHAPTER 17: Reporting to Your Organization 295

CHAPTER 18: Disciplining and Removing Officers or Members 309

CHAPTER 19: Starting a New Association 321

CHAPTER 20: The Convention of Delegates: A Special Kind of Assembly 333

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Part 4: The Part of Tens 345

CHAPTER 21: Ten (Or So) Meeting Procedure Myths 347

CHAPTER 22: Ten Tips for Presiding Officers 357

CHAPTER 23: Ten Motion Mistakes to Avoid 365

CHAPTER 24: Ten Custom Rules to Consider 373

APPENDIX: Glossary of Parliamentary Terms 381

Index 389

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