Everything you need to know, to run an effective

ASO

Parliamentary Procedure, Effective Meeting Techniques and Leadership Skills

Parli. Pro.Parli Pro means parliamentary procedure.

The rules are not complicated but designed to allow you to run an orderly and fair meeting where all can participate.

It only protects your ability to assemble, organize and vote with the fewest issues.

The most important principles of Parli Pro:

All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations to participate fully in any deliberation of the group.

The majority decides the vote, the will of the majority rules in final decisions.

However the rights of the minority must be protected and can’t be arbitrarily over-ridden by the majority. The voice of the minority must be heard.

For any action 4 steps must be takenA member proposes a motion for the group to

consider. A motion is a formal way of making a suggestion for action.

Another member seconds the motion, or agrees to discuss it, regardless of endorsement.

The Chairperson re-states the motion to the group, to clarify what the motion is and discussion will be on.

Discussion/debate happens prior to action. We talk about the suggestion/motion before we vote.

How to categorize a motionMain Motion: The original motion used to bring an item

before the voting body. Only one topic at a time please.

Subsidiary Motions: These are ways to dispose of or change motions without a vote. (Table, Call the question, limit debate, refer to committee, amend, postpone indefinitely)

Incidental Motions: These come from the business of the assembly and may interrupt other motions to deal with immediate business. (Such as: Appeal the decision of the chair, Object to consideration, Suspension of the rules, Point of information, Point of order, Divide the question, Division of the house)

Privileged Motions: These are unrelated to the pending motion but are of high priority. (These include Adjournment, Recess, Point of Personal Privilege and Call for the Orders of the Day.)

You need to know a Main MotionMotions to enforce correct procedure:

Point of Order (PoO) Appeal the Decision of the Chair Point of Information (POI) Division of the Assembly/House

Motions to change a motion: Amend the Original Motion Division of the Question

Motions to control debate: Limit or extend time on debate Vote immediately: Call the question, Move to the previous question

Motion to defer action: Postpone temporarily, table Postpone definitely Refer to committee

Motion to Suppress motions (USE RARELY): Object to consideration Withdraw Postpone indefinitely

Motions to meet Emergencies: Suspend the rules Point of privilege

Motions Affecting Previous Actions: Reconsider/Rescind Renew Expunge Repeal

Characteristics of a successful meeting

Start and End your meeting on time.Try not to go longer than 1 – 2½ hours.The Chair directs the meeting by keeping it on task

and enforcing procedures.Members should have a knowledge of the procedures

that will be used.Motions are made before issues are open for

discussion.Communicate your key points on the topic.Adhere to the rules of debate avoiding reiteration.All may express their views without fear of retaliation

and all vote for what is best for the group not just a few.

How to run an effective meeting through effective leadership practices

The 10 questions every leader should ask:

What beliefs guide my actions as a leader?What is the source of confidence required to lead others?

Do I lead by example and how do I?How can I promote a shared vision?

How do I improve my ability to get people excited?How can I foster innovation?

How do I help build a cohesive, respectful and spirited team?How do I share information and responsibility while being

accountable?How do I daily work to improve my leadership skills?

Am I doing what is best for my constituents or for me?

How to run an effective meeting through effective leadership practices

Model the Way- We must become the change we want to see. Clarify values by finding your voice and shared ideals. Set the example by aligning your actions & shared values.

Inspire Shared Vision- Envision the future by finding exciting strong possibilities. Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations.

Challenge the Process- Search for opportunities seizing the initiatives and looking for improvement. Expand by constantly generating small wins and learning experiences.

Enable Others to Act- Foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships. Strengthen others by increasing determination and developing competence.

Encourage the Heart- Recognize contributions by showing appreciation. Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community.

Tips for a meeting chairCreate an effective agenda

Use Parli Pro & be Brown Act compliant.Time management is everything!

Keep control of the meeting. Don’t show emotion when you disagree. Try to

listen.Don’t let anyone bully you!

Listen to everyone with respect.Serve others: You aren’t the center of attention.

Move in unity when ever possible.Know your governing documents.

Do your best and breathe.

When in doubt refer to common sense and Parli Pro / Roberts Rules of Order.

Your governing documents supersede Roberts Rules of Order, or Parli Pro.

State law (Brown Act) supersedes your governing documents.

Remember you are not there as a voting member, but as a leader. Only vote to break a tie unless it is required by

your bylaws.

Stay in the spirit of it. The purpose is to create a fair meeting where all have a chance to be heard.

An effective argument can change a mind. That mind could change the world!

Outline Created for teaching use

By Ms. Atsiylah “Atty” Garfinkel

2010 /11 President Of Santa Barbara City College, & Region VI of the SSCCC

Materials used:

Roberts Rules of Order,The Challenge of Democracy,

The Student Leadership Challenge, and Too much experience doing this!