Robert’s Rules of Order are a set of rules for conducting a meeting with multiple individuals that allow for all those in attendance to be heard in an efficient manner. The Rules originate in parliamentary procedure, and are designed in such a way that they are adaptable to any organization’s needs.
1Obtain a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order. There are many rules in Robert’s Rules of Order, and it would be inefficient to attempt to memorize them all. Having a copy of the Rules available at meetings will allow an individual to look up any rules they need clarification on.
- The full text of older editions of the Rules are available for download on the internet. Links are provided below. The current edition of the Rules, as well as other editions is available for purchase in book format.
2Read a summary of the Rules. There are many resources for learning Robert’s Rules of Order on the web, and many of them contain a listing of the most common rules or explanation of proper procedure. If you have been to a board meeting of any kind you may already be familiar with the rules outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order, but if you are running a meeting, it is best to make sure you understand them fully and are able to explain them to other members at your meetings.
3Have all members review and practice the rules. While the chairperson of the meeting bears much of the responsibility of running the meeting, Robert’s Rules of Order can only be effective if all members at the meeting are willing to follow the rules. Board meetings require multiple people to discuss ideas and proposals, and following the Rules allows for this discussion to flow in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Circulate a summary of the basic rules to each member, and hold a meeting to discuss the rules and practice them. The Rules are fairly easy to understand, but putting them into practice while engaging in a thoughtful dialogue can take some work. It requires members to think about the Rules before speaking. The only way to get the Rules down is to practice them in a group setting.
4Elect a Robert’s Rules expert. Electing or appointing an expert who has experience with Robert’s Rules of Order and has a deeper understanding of the Rules will help keep the meeting on track and can advise less informed members on the rules they may not understand as well.Ad
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- Practice is the only real way to learn how to use Robert’s Rules of Order. Each member at the meeting must commit to using them in order for the Rules to work.