The January 7th business meeting will include an early (6:30 pm) quick review of Robert's Rules of Order. Club business will follow as scheduled, at 7:00 pm.
A "Robert's Rules Cheat Sheet for Members" is in the works and copies will be available for all members at the January 7th meeting. Additionally, one copy will be sent to club members with email addresses before the business meeting.
During the first meeting there will be a fair amount of ground to cover. We have some news and announcements that we think will be very helpful to the club membership.
A key point is that the club's business will be managed pretty consistently using Robert's Rules of Order. Not to worry - no one is expecting members to read a 900-page book defining Robert's Rules of Order! The plan is to follow Robert's Rules to the extent necessary to protect all club members.
Here's why the club membership needs Robert's Rules:
Robert's Rules of Order gives us a set of common rules and procedures for review and debate club business, and places the whole membership on the same footing, speaking the same language. They provide for constructive and democratic meetings to help, not hinder, club business.
The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the the club members. This approach helps to prevent the majority from dominating the club and preserves the rights of at least a strong minority.
Using Robert's Rules, a minority can require the majority to be deliberate and fair, and act according to careful judgment only AFTER a full and fair review and consideration of the issues involved.
Robert's Rules also prevents any "undue strictness" that permits the intimidation of members or limit full participation of the club membership.
The fundamental right of of the club's members is to require all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action. The club membership rules - members have the final say on everything. Club members must remember that silence means consent ... and active participation ensures their voices will be heard and their thoughts and ideas will be reviewed and considered before any decision is reached by the club membership.
Also - our club bylaws require that we follow Robert's Rules.
The key parts of Robert's Rules will be presented at the January 7th meeting. An easy to follow "plain English" summary of Robert's Rules will be printed. Members will receive a copy for take-home and additional copies will be kept in the clubhouse to provide a quick reference for use during meetings.
If you want a jumpstart, here is a link to the (ahem, formal and not so easy to read) Summary version of Robert's Rules of Order. (Click here.)
We're going to make this as easy as possible for everyone. The plan is to enable the club membership without making things complicated.
-- Bill Williams WT3G
2009 President-Elect
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