Parliamentary Procedure is the rules and procedures that groups follow to run meetings, conferences, and conventions. The name comes from Parliament in Great Britain and was first put into written form in the 1580s. Many people refer to it as Robert’s Rules or Robert’s Rules of Order, first published by Henry Martyn Robert in 1876. He was motivated to research and publish the rules because he was asked to run a meeting at his church. Because he didn’t know how to do it, the meeting fell into chaos. Sound familiar? Robert’s Rules also provides guidance for governing documents, such as bylaws, committees, and much more.
“Wow, Dave, thanks for the history lesson. What does that have to do with this topic?”
Everything. Parliamentary procedure (aka parli pro) can be used our entire lives and is useful for developing a variety of skills within us. Here are the nine things we can learn from parliamentary procedure:
1) Civil Discourse: Using parli pro in a meeting provides rules for debate and discussion. It provides a way for group members to express their thoughts and opinions. While the majority rules in voting, parli pro protects the minority voice in discussion. And do not fear disagreement. Disagreement is OK. Disagreement does not equal hate. In fact, disagreement can be the beginning of collaboration or compromise to find real, workable solutions.
2) Critical Thinking: The opportunity for all group members to express their thoughts is vital to the group’s success. I tell students, “Don’t vote the party line, unless you agree with the party line.” The first time I really engaged in debate on a student government issue, it was me versus everybody else! But my voice was heard, students were represented, and the way I debated made me a credible advocate for other issues where I was on the prevailing side.
3) Solving problems without violence: You may have seen videos of city councils, school boards, and even some legislatures devolve into fist fights and/or shouting matches. Parli pro provides a vehicle to come to peaceful solutions through decorum and controls the temperature in the room when emotions get high.
4) Courtesy: Everyone takes their turn by obtaining the floor to make a motion, debate, or amend the proposal being considered. Only one person may speak at a time and no one can speak again until those who have not been heard from get their chance to speak. The Chair has the responsibility to maintain order and courtesy in the meeting.
5) Active listening skills: The whole point of debate is to hear various opinions and perspectives. Despite our preconceived notions about an issue, it is important to be an active listener during debate to make sure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision. Listening during debate is important because the other person may be right! Their perspectives, experiences, and ideas could influence you to vote differently than you thought you originally would.
6) Compromise: Parli pro allows for compromise. I give a little, you give a little, and we craft a proposal that the group can get behind. You can work with the opposition to amend a motion in order to be make it more acceptable to everyone or withdraw it and write a new one with input from all sides.
7) Conflict Resolution: Parli pro rules provide for a reasoned approach to conflict and disagreement. Ultimately a decision is going to be made. Everyone may not be happy with that decision; however, the rules can provide comfort that the result was achieved fairly and with consideration and input from all interested parties.
8) Appropriate behavior: Talking out of turn, interrupting other speakers, dominating the meeting for an extended period, engaging in personal attacks, arguing directly with another group member, and more are not allowed in parliamentary procedure. Members engaging in such behavior should be ruled out of order, may be asked by the chair to leave, and could even be expelled from the group by a vote of the body.
9) Taking defeat graciously: After all the debate and discussion, consideration of amendments, and use of parliamentary techniques, a decision is made. It may not be the one you want, but you take defeat graciously so that your voice will be heard and respected the next time you make a motion, engage in debate, or suggest changes to a proposal.
What do you think? Anything you would add to the list or take off? Please let me know at DaveKelly@GonzoSpeaks.com.
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I look forward to serving your students!