By Rick Gibson

This month is an interesting topic… what to do when we don’t agree!   The “rules” for  “debate manners” are similar to what we learn in other parts of our lives.  

A few things will be familiar and some unusual ones covered here as excerpts from the book “Robert’s Rules of Order”:

• 1. Only one person speaks at a time, when called upon.
• 2. Direct all comments to the President. Avoid making comments directly at or to another member. It can seem personal.

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This month’s version of Robert’s Rules of Order is on some of one of our most interesting topics…. what to do when we do not agree with one another! The “rules” for debate or “debate manners” aren’t that much different than what we have learned and use in other parts of our lives.

There are a few things that will be familiar and some unusual ones covered here from excerpts of “Robert’s Rules of Order” to help us. Here are just a few:

1. Only one person speaks at a time, and only when called on.
2. Direct all comments to the Chair, your President, and avoid making comments directly at or to another member.

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This regular column in our newsletter is not boring as it may sound! Robert’s Rules, which is a book, provides us great ways to make sure we are heard and see results that benefit the group, and not an individual within a group. Robert’s Rules are only there to support our bylaws, so the bylaws are truly what govern SMRCA. SMRCA bylaws can be found here: SMRCA Bylaws. The President of SMRCA has numerous copies of Robert’s Rules of Order that can be loaned out to any SMRCA member…all you need to do is ask! (more…)

What is Robert’s Rules of Order? Robert’s Rules of Order is a book, written by Henry M. Robert. There are many revisions, which guide procedure in meetings and for many organizations, including SMRCA, where our bylaws roughly state that “Robert’s Rules” prevail in all parliamentary issues not described in the words of the bylaws themselves. They are there to help us work together as a group, and as individuals within a group. (more…)