Parlementarian
Normal Duties
Role of a Parliamentarian
A Parliamentarian is an expert in rules of order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings of deliberative assemblies. Parliamentarians assist organizations in the drafting and interpretation of bylaws and rules of order, and the planning and conduct of meetings.
Drafting and Interpreting Bylaws
Bylaws define the make-up, governance, rights and responsibilities of a given organization and it’s members. They also define specific rules, which may be unique to an organization, which can not be suspended, but must be adhered to.
Bylaws must be legislatively compliant with the laws governing the organization.
When a parliamentary authority has been adopted, such as the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, the parliamentary authority provides clear definition of many of the rules of order and procedures which the organization does not have to try and recreate in the bylaws, except for those specific cases where there is a variance or when the organization does not want the rule to be able to be suspended.
Parliamentarians assist the organization in drafting and interpreting bylaws, specific to the needs of the organization. Working with the organization’s legal council, the parliamentarian will ensure that the bylaws are legislatively compliant.
Parliamentary Opinions
Parliamentarians are often asked by organizations, “given our current bylaws and rules of order, how do we do this, or, what is the proper procedure to accomplish this objective?” The Parliamentarian will review the organization’s governing documents and provide an opinion as to how to proceed within the rules.
Meeting and Convention Planning
Parliamentarians are often called upon to assist organizations in planning meetings or conventions. Most of the items that must be considered are listed on a checklist under the “Meeting Checklist” tab. In the planning for the meeting, the agenda will specify the proper sequence of events, but consideration must also be given to such things as proper protocol, say in the presentation or introduction of various attendees, opening ceremonies, seating, etc. The parliamentarian is of special use in the preparation of scripts for the chair, credentials reports and considerations, election forms and reports, and the processes in the consideration of motions and bylaw amendments.
Serving as Parliamentarian at Meetings
The role of the parliamentarian at a meeting is to be a resource to the chair, to assist the chair in the conduct of the meeting. The parliamentarian sits adjacent to the chair and unobtrusively gives the chair help, guidance and support during the meeting. The chair can and should consult with the parliamentarian when not certain on how to rule on a question or proceed in the circumstances.
A Parliamentarian is an expert in rules of order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings of deliberative assemblies. Parliamentarians assist organizations in the drafting and interpretation of bylaws and rules of order, and the planning and conduct of meetings.
Drafting and Interpreting Bylaws
Bylaws define the make-up, governance, rights and responsibilities of a given organization and it’s members. They also define specific rules, which may be unique to an organization, which can not be suspended, but must be adhered to.
Bylaws must be legislatively compliant with the laws governing the organization.
When a parliamentary authority has been adopted, such as the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, the parliamentary authority provides clear definition of many of the rules of order and procedures which the organization does not have to try and recreate in the bylaws, except for those specific cases where there is a variance or when the organization does not want the rule to be able to be suspended.
Parliamentarians assist the organization in drafting and interpreting bylaws, specific to the needs of the organization. Working with the organization’s legal council, the parliamentarian will ensure that the bylaws are legislatively compliant.
Parliamentary Opinions
Parliamentarians are often asked by organizations, “given our current bylaws and rules of order, how do we do this, or, what is the proper procedure to accomplish this objective?” The Parliamentarian will review the organization’s governing documents and provide an opinion as to how to proceed within the rules.
Meeting and Convention Planning
Parliamentarians are often called upon to assist organizations in planning meetings or conventions. Most of the items that must be considered are listed on a checklist under the “Meeting Checklist” tab. In the planning for the meeting, the agenda will specify the proper sequence of events, but consideration must also be given to such things as proper protocol, say in the presentation or introduction of various attendees, opening ceremonies, seating, etc. The parliamentarian is of special use in the preparation of scripts for the chair, credentials reports and considerations, election forms and reports, and the processes in the consideration of motions and bylaw amendments.
Serving as Parliamentarian at Meetings
The role of the parliamentarian at a meeting is to be a resource to the chair, to assist the chair in the conduct of the meeting. The parliamentarian sits adjacent to the chair and unobtrusively gives the chair help, guidance and support during the meeting. The chair can and should consult with the parliamentarian when not certain on how to rule on a question or proceed in the circumstances.