PARLIAMENTARIAN FUNCTION

The Parliamentarian rules on any questions that arise during the business meeting, evaluates the business meeting itself, and provides a brief lesson on Parliamentary Procedures.

The two main sources of information are Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, and the Success/Leadership module Parliamentary Procedure in Action, item 237 in the Toastmaster Catalog.

Parliamentarian Procedure:
  1. The Parliamentarian should be very familiar with Robert’s Rules, and is preferably a Past President of the Club.
  2. Prior to the meeting, get a copy of Robert’s Rules, and prepare a brief lesson on Parliamentary Procedure, preferably related to what may happen at the business meeting. See the document "Leading the Business Meeting for Papago Toastmasters"
  3. During the business meeting, be prepared to raise your hand and state "point of order!" if you see any major deviations from Robert’s Rules.
  4. After the business meeting, you will be called upon to evaluate it. Provide constructive criticism, and remember that even if Robert’s Rules are not followed to the letter, it does not void the results of the meeting. Typical mistakes during these meetings to watch for:
    • The President does not follow the standard order of business.
    • The President forgets to call on an officer for a report
    • The President forgets to re-state the motion prior to calling for a vote
    • The President forgets to call for new business
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