Modern Parliamentary Procedure

"Presents a ... code of rules for the conduct of public meetings ... a ... simplification of traditional parliamentary rules. It encourages informality and proceedings by consensus whenever possible ... paring the parliamentray code to its functional essentials"--Dustjacket.

"This book is a thoroughgoing simplification of traditional parliamentary rules. It encourages informality and proceeding by consensus whenever possible. By paring down the parliamentary code to its functional essentials, it expedites rather than hinders the transaction of business, assuring orderly debate and permitting decisive democratic action. Yet these simplified rules serve fully and well the basic needs of any democratic assembly: to assure full debate and disclosure, to protect the right of minority members to argue their case on any issue, and to permit the majority to act. Ray Keesey's writing is concise, his argument persuasive and easy to follow. Eminently practical, highly contemporary in its ideas and language, this book gives you a realistic working knowledge of how to conduct meetings without burdening you with superfluous details and complications. Complex motions and situations that cause confusion are eliminated. So are time-wasting formalities such as the unnecessary seconding of motions. The precedence of motions is made more flexible. Best of all, by stressing what is actually important in procedural matters, Barnes & Noble Book of Modern Parliamentary Procedure achieves the objective for which parliamentary rules were devised in the first place - it facilitates active and vigorous, yet orderly and democratic, participation in public meetings"--Unedited summary from book cover.

Parliamentary procedure, as outlined in that famous reference Robert's Rules of Order as well as several other procedural rulebooks, is the system that keeps public meetings moving along while allowing everyone to have their fair input. Unfortunately, Robert's is a complex and intimidating reference that new and casual meeting leaders and participants can find overwhelming. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Parliamentary Procedure Fast Track lets readers bypass the arcane language, sort out the complicated system of motions, and get to what they really want to do: preside over and participate in smoothly-run meetings. In this slim volume, readers get: - A quick guide to the different sets of parliamentary procedure and which is most appropriate for the organization - Advice on setting and managing an agenda - The essence of what readers need to know about the most common types of motions - Rules for debates and voting - Forming and working on effective committees - Troubleshooting for meetings gone awry - Quick guidance for writing and submitting minutes

The only current authorized edition of the classic work on parliamentary procedure--now in a new updated edition Robert's Rules of Order is the recognized guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings. This 12th edition is the only current manual to have been maintained and updated since 1876 under the continuing program established by General Henry M. Robert himself. As indispensable now as the original edition was more than a century ago, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised is the acknowledged "gold standard" for meeting rules. New and enhanced features of this edition include: Section-based paragraph numbering to facilitate cross-references and e-book compatibility Expanded appendix of charts, tables, and lists Helpful summary explanations about postponing a motion, reconsidering a vote, making and enforcing points of order and appeals, and newly expanded procedures for filling blanks New provisions regarding debate on nominations, reopening nominations, and completing an election after its scheduled time Dozens more clarifications, additions, and refinements to improve the presentation of existing rules, incorporate new interpretations, and address common inquiries Coinciding with publication of the 12th edition, the authors of this manual have once again published an updated (3rd) edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief, a simple and concise introductory guide cross-referenced to it.

Must-Have Advice on Running Effective and Organized Meetings Easy, accessible, and to the point. Robert's Rules of Order Fast Track gives you everything you need to know to conduct shorter, fairer, and more orderly meetings. In this new and improved update, you'll find: -The fundamentals of parliamentary procedure, with tips on knowing which rules to use for your meetings. -Simple suggestions for making, seconding, and debating motions. -A primer on voting, from knowing when it's required, to breaking ties, to handling absentee and proxy votes. -Straightforward strategies for setting and sticking to an agenda and efficiently recording your meeting's minutes. -Tips for handling disruptive members and tyrannical chairs. -All-new guidance on conducting the modern virtual meeting.

From voting and debating to rules on quorum, this is a complete, modern guide to meeting procedures. Packed with simplified information that avoids jargon, it meets the needs of most non-profit organizations and professional associations. The author emphasizes the principles of meetings and introduces the use of modern technology in meetings.