Roberts Rule Of Order Benefits Various Formal Associations And Groups
In 1876 Colonel Henry Robert published a book called Roberts Rules of Order which served as a guide to parliamentary procedure
. These rules proved extremely useful for conducting meetings where all members got the opportunity to contribute their opinions and reach a consensus.
Guidelines of Roberts Rules
When a meeting is well-organized, you can save on time and you can reach an agreement. Ultimately, it benefits everybody when the discussion is conducted. Here are the guidelines of these rules. Roberts Rule of Order states that in order to get the floor of the meeting, the speaker should stand as soon as the previous speaker has finished. The debate can start only after the motion is stated; the Chairperson states the motion, but before this, members can modify the motion. The last question that the Chairperson puts forth is called immediately pending motion. No member has the right to speak twice on the same subject until all have got a chance to speak once. Remarks can be only directed towards the Chairperson and it should courteous. There should be no direct attacks on a member. The agenda of the meeting and the committee reports are just recommendations. Changes occur when it is debated upon.
The Key Concepts of Roberts Rules
A quick reading of Roberts Rule of Order may give you the impression that it is complex and difficult to follow. But once the key concepts are comprehended, it will help all types of meetings and all groups of people. Any meeting requires an agenda that have to be strictly followed. Each issue has to be handled one at a time lest there be confusion. The major problems or issues have to be tackled by the general body meeting and committees have to deal with smaller matters. Speakers should direct their talk to the Chairperson. The Chairperson should take control and see that members are also focused in their discussion. If the debate becomes redundant, the leader should cut it off.
Groups that Use Roberts Rules
Most associations in America have bylaws which state that Roberts Rules have to be followed in their meetings. County and city councils as well as school boards in the U.S follow these rules. Meetings of professional associations and non-profit organizations are governed by these laws. Homeowners associations, housing cooperatives and condominium boards conduct their meetings on the basis of these rules. Labor Unions and Bar associations find it extremely beneficial and follow the rules for their meetings. Informal groups do not have to follow them; however, their meetings too can be productive if they follow the guidelines.