The only thing I can add is that I have learned to express the policy...Don't make a complaint unless you have an idea on how to fix it.
We are in the process of fundraising and organizing a community built playground. I am very excited and was talking about it at a school function when I had a parent (who is a lawyer) saying that they sued a school, the playground company and all parent volunteers when a parent was hurt during a community build. I went home furious and a bit worried. The woman who is chairing the commity when straight to the parent and said "thank you for bringing that problem to our attention not solve it!!" She told him he had the responsibility for researching and writing a document that would protect us. I was so tickled by her creativity and audacity and will follow her example over the coming years!!
I was just reading your post again & was reminded of your comment about your age. I have the opposite problem -- I am THE OLDEST parent on the board (probably in the school)!
mykidsmom, Well you have done everything right. The only thing I might add is that I have briefed my board on RRO and they know how to use some of the other motions. Our favorite is to "put the question". Which of course stops debate (yahoo!) and puts the question to a vote. We only use it when discussion starts going around in circles. We have invited our "problematic members" to our Robert's Rules workshops. Hmmm.... they can never seem to make it. Keep the cell phone - That is too funny. How does she bring up your age? How crazy!
I have been the one to read RRO ( read the entire book while in the hospital having my son - and we have a three minute time limit to expess thoughts. I had the by-laws ammended to include the RRO as a final sorce (I couldn't believe it was left out when written).
plw- you are right though, it should have mever become this much of a problem and wasn't when this parent was Prez. Of course meetings were ran so awfully disorganized my notes read like a jigsaw puzzle.
I did buy a pocket meeting planner- it highlights RRO- and will bring my little red book with me for the 12 hour drive to my parents. The most fusterating thing, I used my cell phone timer to tell parents of their three minutes and one parent teased me so terribly I think I might look into getting a real timer!
I agree that Roberts Rules of Order would definitely help you. If you'd like some more info I've encountered some websites thru this forum. Try "robertsrules.com". It has general info plus a question & answer forum. "parli.co" also has general info. "constitution.org/rror/rror--00.htm" is a printing of the 1915 edition of RROR.
It is not a problem until it is a problem. If Robert's Rules of Order is noted as the parliamentary authority in your bylaws then use it. If it is not ammend your bylaws and put it in there. Because of such things happening in many of our units I have advised all the presidents to get the basics down for their meetings. I have also advised them to seek a parliamentarian to be with them at their meetings. If they cannot find a volunteer for them our council will provide them with one for their meetings. We will be holding a parliamentary workshop the end of September for all of our officers and members. Our local chapter of Parliamentarians Association just held a four part workshop at our local library for free. Check and see if that is available in your area. See, if you follow RRO your meetings can flow so nicely and problems like this can be avoided. There are rules that cover discussion, time and order. Check into it. Good luck, sorry this was so long. Best Wishes!
- and we have a three minute time limit to expess thoughts. I had the by-laws ammended to include the RRO as a final sorce (I couldn't believe it was left out when written).
