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Promoting the study and teaching of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised
Welcome to www.parlipro.org |
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Mind Benders and Brain Teasers:
This is where we will post questions and
situations that will test your knowledge of parliamentary procedure. If you
have a parliamentary Mind Bender or Brain Teaser that you would like to share,
send it to mindbenders@parlipro.org
and we will print the best ones here. Unless otherwise noted, the
parliamentary authority is
Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised (RONR), 10th edition. The informal parliamentary
opinions expressed here follow general principles of parliamentary law and
Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised (RONR), 10th edition, and are based solely on the
brief summary of facts presented, without the benefit of having reviewed the
bylaws and other governing documents. An association's own bylaws,
covenants, Articles of Incorporation, Special Rules of Order, and local or
state laws will supersede what
RONR says. A
significant difference in facts could result in different conclusions being
reached. If there is much at stake, readers are encouraged to seek a formal
written parliamentary opinion from a Professional Registered
Parliamentarian, which includes a thorough review of the organization's
bylaws and governing documents. Nothing here should be construed as an
interpretation of statutory law.

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Answer to Mind Bender for
May 2005:
All references are to
RONR
10th ed
Question:
Why do you "adopt" the Auditor's Report instead of "accepting" or
"receiving" it, or does it make a difference?
Answer: Yes,
it makes a difference. RONR says that "to adopt" or "to accept" are
equivalent terms and the effect is identical. Adopting or accepting an
Auditor's report means that the assembly has become accountable for the report
and is in agreement as to its accuracy. That is very different than just
casually saying, "Okay, thank you, that was an interesting and informative
report.", which is really all that is done with most reports during the year
that are just "received" and "placed on file".
Refer to RONR pp. 490-401:
"As applied to an assembly's action with
respect to board or committee reports or any of their contents, the
expressions adopt, accept, and agree to are all equivalent - that is, the text
adopted becomes in effect the act or statement of the assembly. It is usually
best to use the word adopt, however, since it is the least likely to be
misunderstood."
"A common error is to move that a report
'be received' after it has been read - apparently on the supposition that such
a motion is necessary in order for the report to be taken under consideration
or to be recorded as having been made. In fact, this motion is meaningless,
since the report has already been received. Even before a report has been
read, a motion to receive it is unnecessary if the time for its reception is
established by the order of business, or if no member objects (see also
below)."
"Another error - less common, but dangerous
- is to move, after the report has been read (or even before the reading),
that it 'be accepted,' when the actual intent is that of the mistaken motion
to receive, as just explained, or of a legitimate motion to receive made
'before' the report is read. If a motion 'to accept' made under any of these
circumstances is adopted and is given its proper interpretation, it implies
that the assembly has endorsed the complete report."
Also refer to RONR p. 462: "If the
auditors' report consists only of an endorsement on the financial report - to
the effect that it has been found correct...the treasurer can simply read out
this certification as he concludes the presentation of his own report. After
the treasurer has made his report to the assembly (and after any detailed
report presented by the chairman of the auditing committee, if it is needed),
the chair states the question on adopting the auditors' report. The adoption
of the auditors' report has the effect of relieving the treasurer of
responsibility for the period covered by his report, except in case of fraud."
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Click here for Questions or Comments

"It is recommended that
each officer of an organization
obtain a copy of the 176 page
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in
Brief (RONRIB) to use as a meeting guide. Interested members who wish to
participate fully in meetings will find it to be invaluable. This
'in brief' book is one of the best values around! For more in-depth
information, you will also want a paperback copy of the 704 page
Robert's Rules
of Order Newly Revised (RONR) to be used as a reference (when more
information is needed), which the 'in brief' book cross references and refers to
by page and line number. If you are serious about parliamentary procedure, buy
the long-lasting hardcover edition
of RONR as a reference book for your personal library.
RONR is the book to use
if Robert's Rules of Order is designated in your bylaws as your parliamentary
authority."
-- Rod G Davidson, Professional Registered Parliamentarian
Going to a meeting but not sure what to do or say?
Inexperienced, but want to know how to take part? Learn quickly and easily!
Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised in Brief is a short, simple book that includes:
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Sample dialogues
to get the presiding officer and members confidently through motions,
nominations, elections, voting, debates, amendments, and more
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Invaluable tips
for keeping meetings orderly and on track
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A chapter
answering the most Frequently Asked Questions
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Handy tables at
the back of the book tell you just what to say
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Appointed to a
committee? Elected an officer or board member? Chosen as a convention
delegate? Chapters on each clearly explain your duties
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Abundant
cross-references to the standard
RONR throughout
if more in-depth information is needed.
Finally! Published in 2004, this simple and concise,
user-friendly guide covers the basics of conducting and participating in
meetings of any size. Written by the same authorship team as
Robert's Rules of Order Newly
Revised (RONR), this short easy-to-read guide covers the essentials
on the rules most frequently used at meetings. At 176 pages, this handy pocket
manual is roughly one-fourth the number of pages of
RONR, yet this
brief guide is entirely consistent with the larger 704 page
RONR, something
that cannot be said for other short books on parliamentary procedure.
RONR,
Henry M. Robert's classic guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted
meetings, was originally published in 1896 and has sold close to 5 million
copies in nine editions. This 704 page, 10th edition, Parliamentary Authority
will continue the book's reputation as the gold standard of meeting procedure
for professional parliamentarians and novice club presidents and members alike.
When you need the details, this is the book to get!
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Each order from this website includes
a FREE leaflet of "Basic Parliamentary Information"
- This handy reference card includes charts summarizing the basic
characteristics of motions, the procedure and wording used in
handling a main motion, a sample agenda/order of business, and
information on voting and amendments. Keep this reference card handy
in your pocket or purse! |
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