|
| |
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on the question to see the answer.)
 | What is parliamentary procedure?
 | Parliamentary procedure is a consistent set of rules used to govern procedure in a deliberative assembly. These
rules are precise and are designed to help organizations conduct their meetings expediently and fairly while preserving the
rights of all its members.
|
|
| Why use parliamentary procedure?
| Parliamentary procedure is used in meetings to maintain order. The principles behind the use of parliamentary
procedure ensure that all members are treated fairly and equitably while having an opportunity to express their
opinions. Matters come before the assembly one by one in an orderly fashion so they may be properly considered by the
members. And in their absence, the members are insured that their rights will continue to be protected. The
basic principles of parliamentary procedure are:
| the rule of the majority; |
| the rights of the minority and absentees; |
| justice to all; |
| courtesy to all; and, |
| only one thing may be considered at a time.
|
|
|
| How do I learn more about parliamentary procedure?
| The best way to learn more about parliamentary procedure is to join a parliamentary unit, like the Golden Gavel Unit, as a
student member. Most units have educational programs to help student members learn more about common parliamentary law
and its implementation, or procedure. |
| Many units also host or present public workshops on parliamentary procedure. Most of these cover the basics that
everyone should know. They may also provide a round-table or panel discussion during which questions from the public
are answered by the most expert parliamentarians in the area. |
| Occasionally you may find courses in parliamentary procedure taught in Adult Learning Centers or as community outreach
through local colleges and schools. However, these courses might be taught by people other than professional
parliamentarians and you are cautioned to ask about the instructor's parliamentary credentials. Ideally, the
instructor should be a Registered Parliamentarian or a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. |
| Check the National Association of
Parliamentarians site to find a parliamentary unit or a contact near you. Or you can email
Golden Gavel Unit and we'll find you the info!
|
|
| What is a parliamentarian?
| A parliamentarian is a consultant who helps organizations expedite their business fairly by applying basic parliamentary
principles and procedures. A parliamentarian is impartial and serves the organization as a whole.
|
|
| What does a parliamentarian actually do?
| A parliamentarian performs services like writing bylaws and bylaw amendments, aiding the presiding officer in planning
meetings and during meetings, reviewing election procedures and aiding the Tellers' Committee in counting ballots properly,
training and workshops, serving officers and boards during conventions, and rendering parliamentary opinions upon request.
|
|
| How do I become a parliamentarian?
| How do I join a Unit?
| All you need is a wish to learn more about parliamentary procedure and to pay your dues. Most NAP Units welcome
visitors and new members with open arms. You can find the NAP Unit nearest you by going to the NAP
web site (click here). |
| If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, just come to any meeting of Golden Gavel and we can process your
application immediately. |
| If coming to a meeting is not convenient for you, but you'd still like to join Golden Gavel, just email us and we'll email
you with membership info or snail mail you some info, or whatever you need to know, however you want to receive it!Email
us right now, if you like! |
| Dues for Golden Gavel are currently $25.00 per year for all membership types.
Golden Gavel's membership types are:
| Student Member - This member is new to the study of parliamentary procedure and may be preparing to take the NAP
membership exam. |
| Affiliate Member - This member is either a member of another unit but enjoys coming to Golden Gavel for additional
study and fun; or this member lives too far away to come to meetings frequently. |
| Regular Member - This member has taken the NAP membership exam and Golden Gavel is the member's primary unit.
This member could also be a Registered Parliamentarian or a Professional Registered Parliamentarian.
|
|
|
| What should I look for when engaging the services of a parliamentarian?
|
| What is that block of wood you hit the gavel on called?
| The block of wood is called a sounding block. It is used to help project the sound of the striking gavel by
resonating. It also serves, today, to protect the desk or bench surface as well as the gavel head.
|
|
|
| |
|
