Basic Parliamentary Procedures
Training/Workshops Outline
The training/workshops can easily be customized to fit specific needs of an organization. The basic workshop formats are as follows;
* Half Day Workshop: (3 hours)
Friday – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday or Sunday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
* One Full Day Workshop: (7 hours)
Saturday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
* Two Day Weekend Workshop: (12 hours total)
Friday - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Here are some training/workshops examples;
1. Members, Officers & Minutes (90 minutes to 2 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To describe who are the members and what are their responsibilities.
Ø To identify the officers of an organization and their basic duties.
Ø To understand why the minutes are important and what should be included.
2. Conduct of Business, Bylaws, Debate & Voting (2 to 3 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To learn how an assembly carry out its business.
Ø To understand why bylaws are important and what is involved.
Ø To learn the rules and strategies of debate.
Ø To learn about voting techniques and how to determines the results.
Ø To have “hands on” experience in nomination and voting process for officers
3. Classification of Motions (2 to 3 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To learn the basic motion which brings business before the assembly.
Ø To understand different kinds of secondary motions.
Ø To learn the subsidiary motion to Amend and the process of making amendments to motions.
Ø To have “hands on” experience in writing motions on motion form during break-out session
4. How to Run an Effective Meeting (2 to 3 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To learn how to have a successful and productive meeting.
Ø To understand why participation is important.
Ø To practice good meeting manners.
Ø To be involved in a “mock” meeting using different motions.
5. Role of Secretary (4 to 6 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To describe the duties of Recording Secretary and/or Corresponding Secretary.
Ø To learn how to write “formal” letters.
Ø To learn how to properly prepare minutes of a meeting.
Ø To learn how to write amendments and other secondary motions in minutes.
Ø To have “hands on” experience writing minutes during a mock meeting.
6. Fundamentals of Constitution & Bylaws (4 to 6 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To understand the nature and importance of constitution and bylaws.
Ø To learn about the content, development, adoption and amendment of bylaws.
Ø To understand the fundamental rules of the organization.
Ø To learn about drafting of bylaws and analyze the faults in writing bylaws.
Ø To understand the difference in amendment and revision of bylaws.
Ø To have “hands on” experience to write, amend and revise the bylaws in break-out groups.
7. A-B-C’s of Parliamentary Procedures (2 to 3 hours)
Workshop Objective
Ø To learn how to participate in a meeting and to use an agenda.
Ø To learn how to present and discuss business motions, and voting methods.
Ø To discuss the preparation, good meeting manners, supporting group goals, improve communication and presentation skills.
Ø To understand the member’s rights and obligations within an organization.
8. Disciplinary Procedures (4 to 6 hours) *** NEW ***
Workshop Objective
Ø To learn about your rights as a member of your organization
Ø To understand how to discipline a member for breaches of order during a meeting
Ø To understand the rights of your organization and the accused
Ø To learn how to defend yourself if you are accused by an officer or a member of your organization
Ø To know how to have a proper due process hearing within your organization
Ø To understand various remedies against misconduct or negligence of duty in office
Ø To have “hands on” experience of a mock due process hearing
