Robert's Rules of Order - Are They Valid for Your Meetings?

Robert's Rules of Order (on Amazon #ad and currently abbreviated as RONR to include "newly revised") have been around since 1876 and are still used in many organizations today.  So they must be the best way to run a meeting, right?  This process is typically for those wanting a parliamentary-type procedure to be used in their meetings, such as government, societies, and other non-profit organizations.  These rules are often used in town meeting type events where audience members are recognized and allowed to share their thoughts on agenda items being presented. 

Are Robert's Rules of Order Valid for Your Meetings?  That depends upon whether or not you want a highly formal process for running your meetings.  Robert’s process includes specific terms people must use during the meeting and in the meeting minutes.  It has guidelines for voting in the processof decision-making.  Typically silence or non-participation by any member implies consent to whatever the group decides. 

If you think you might want to use the rules, then you may want to review a few of these links to get more familiar with the process before deciding to go with Robert's Rules of Order.  

* Please note that none of these example links are official RONR websites.

• Possible roles and Glossary of Terms - you do not have to use every term or role in your meetings, use only as appropriate to your group size and needs
• Typical Agenda and Summary of Processes
• Example meeting video using Parliamentary Procedure Basics - during 16 minutes it may seem repetitive but that is just to show all examples of how a motion may be handled
• Organization's history recorded via Meeting Minutes Example 

If you are interested in using Robert’s Rules of Order, you may want to consider getting the most up-to-date copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised to have on hand to check various points of order before, during, and after your meetings.   The required use of Robert’s Rules should be spelled out in the organization’s bylaws or code of conduct.

If you are looking for a less formal approach to use in team or business meetings, consider getting the book RARA A Meeting Wizard's Approach.