NP
Volume 80, No. 3 | Spring 2019
National Parliamentarian
Building Our Legacy
Honoring Henry M. Robert III . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 From the Mouths of Babes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15
NAP 42nd Biennial Convention Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18
Leadership 2O19
NAP Conference
September 4, 2019 • Las Vegas, NV
EMPOWERMENT
What extraordinary leaders do best!
E
nhance your leadership skills while unleashing the potential in your association.
When you attend the 2019 Leadership Conference you will engage with others as you: • Exchange program ideas for your units and/or associations • Network with other leaders • Learn how NAP can assist your unit and/or association
WHEN September 4, 2018 Leadership Conference 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 3000 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89109
REGISTRATION
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Early Bird (by 7/15): $120
• Unit president & officers
Regular: $135
• Association presidents
COORDINATORS
• District directors • Members • Leaders of any organization • Future leaders
Sadie Boles, RP Coordinator Edna Arrington, PRP Assistant Coordinator
Register online today at www.napconvention.com/2019leadership
NP
National Parliamentarian
Volume 80, No. 3 | Spring 2019
Contents 2017-2019 NAP Officers President James N. Jones, PRP Vice-President Darlene T. Allen, PRP Secretary Kevin R. Connelly, PRP Treasurer Wanda M. Sims, PRP Directors-at-Large Joyce Brown-Watkins, PRP Ann Rempel, PRP Alison Wallis, PRP District Director Representatives Roger Hanshaw, PRP Larry Martin, PRP Parliamentarian James Stewart, PRP Executive Director Cynthia Launchbaugh
NAP’s Vision: To provide parliamentary leadership to the world
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 President’s Message Building Our Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features NAP Honorary President Henry M. Robert III, 1920-2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hope For A Happy (And Civil) New Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Reticent Parliamentarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 From the Mouths of Babes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Nominees for Office: Meet the Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Special Section 2019 NAP 42nd Biennial Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 NAP Opens in Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 This Year’s Headliners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Schedule at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 New Hands-on Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 How to Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Where to Stay & How to Get There . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 DEPARTMENTS Test Yourself Parliamentary Procedure Vocabulary Builder . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Yes or No? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Questions & Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 NAP Connections Texas State Association of Parliamentarians Parliamentary Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 New Registered Parliamentarians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 New Professional Registered Parliamentarians . . . . . . . . . 43 Silent Gavel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 www.parliamentarians.org
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National Parliamentarian
®
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Submission Deadlines
Volume 80, No. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1, 2019 (Summer 2019) Volume 81, No. 1 . . . . . . . . . August 1, 2019 (Fall 2019) Volume 81, No. 2 . . . . . . November 1, 2019 (Winter 2020)
Editor
Ann Iona Warner npeditor@nap2.org
Assistant Editor
Betty Tunstall, PRP
Parliamentary Review Committee Shmuel Gerber, PRP Lisa Zwarn, PRP John R. Berg, PRP Paul McClintock, PRP Sheryl C. Womble, PRP
Parliamentary Research Committee Michael Malamut, PRP C. Alan Jennings, PRP Jim Stewart, PRP Helen McFadden, PRP
NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN®
(Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, ISSN 8755-7592) Published quarterly by the National Association of Parliamentarians ©2019 All rights to reproduce or reprint any portion of this publication are reserved, except by written permission of the editor. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those endorsed by NAP.
Subscription and change-of-address requests should be directed to NAP at the above address. Annual subscription: $30 • Single copy: $8
From the Editor
By the time this issue is in your hands, spring will be almost over, and we will be heading into summer. And that means it’s time to start thinking about the Biennial Convention where the National Association of Parliamentarians will conduct the work of the organization, in particular, electing officers for the next two years. More information about the convention can be found in this issue. This issue features an article about Henry Martyn Robert III and his family background. He was an active part of NAP and his presence will be missed. Ann Iona Warner 2 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
President’s Message
Building Our Legacy: Building for Tomorrow The National Association of Parliamentarians is very excited about its Building Our Legacy campaign. We are thankful to those members who have already donated to this campaign. We especially appreciate those members who have donated $1,000 to serve as Parliamentary Principals and to the State of Texas which has the distinction of becoming one of the first associations to be granted naming rights at the remodeled headquarters by donating $8,000. For the past year, this campaign has raised funds for the renovation of our national headquarters and the upgrading of our organizational infrastructure. These improvements are being phased in to improve NAP’s overall service to its members and the public. The money raised through the campaign will be used to: • Renovate and upgrade NAP’s national headquarters; • Advance NAP’s member service experience through technology upgrades; • Expand NAP’s Resource Center through the development of a robust historical parliamentary collection; and • Secure NAP’s place as the preeminent provider of parliamentary education. Throughout this administrative year, NAP has invested in programs directly related to the needs of its members. The most significant areas of investment were in educational materials, leadership development and aggressive support for units and members at all levels of learning. There has been much time and effort placed in a focused effort to create transformational programs and superior experiential learning opportunities. NAP has seen a return on this investment with increased retention, better communication, and overall membership growth. Over the coming months, our members will also experience a noticeable increase in NAP’s leveraging of technology. This will provide better direct communication with our membership, and support a more effective learning system. The association management system (AMS), which we rely on to store all member, unit and association data, must be upgraded to keep up with NAP’s growing needs. The AMS is the backbone www.parliamentarians.org
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of our infrastructure operations, and it must be strong, scalable, and secure so that members, leaders, and staff can conduct business easily and safely. All transactions and interactions with our members are conducted or tracked through this system. These initiatives, while requiring a substantial initial investment, have the potential to reduce costs through enhanced self-service capabilities, better educational programs and stronger-equipped administrative support of NAP’s mission. Please visit our webpage (www.parliamentarians.org) for more details regarding how you can take part in this campaign. Your commitment will make a difference. As an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your contributions to the National Association of Parliamentarians are tax deductible and might even qualify for employer-matching gift programs. If your company has a matching gift program, you could receive donor credit for both your pledge amount and the amount of your company’s matching gift. Please contact NAP headquarters, at hq@nap2.org for assistance with this process. More and more, NAP relies on visionary members and partners like you to help us advance critical areas like our headquarters capabilities to provide high-caliber service as well as to keep NAP on the path to preeminence. Your support of the Building Our Legacy campaign leaves a legacy for all future NAP members, allowing them to follow in your footsteps as they create legacies of their own. For us, the vision is clear. We are not just building a strong headquarters; we are building NAP’s legacy for tomorrow. James “Jim” Jones PRP, CPP-T 44th NAP President, 2017-2019
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NAP Honorary President Henry M. Robert III, 1920-2019 by Dr. Leonard M. Young, NAP Past President
On January 6, 2019, the parliamentary world bid a sad farewell to Henry Martyn Robert III, grandson of General Henry Martyn Robert, author of Robert’s Rules of Order. He was 98 years old when he passed. It marked the end of an era.
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Henry III is best known for following in his grandfather’s footsteps in writing and revising the rules. He participated in five revisions of the work and was at work on his sixth – the 12th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, which will be released in 2020 at the NAP Training Conference in San Antonio. He was also a co-author of the shorter and more readable introductory book, Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief. Henry was raised in a home where parliamentary procedure was cherished. After his grandfather’s death in 1923, Henry’s father became the trustee for Robert’s Rules. Upon his passing in 1937, that mantle fell to Henry’s mother, Sarah Corbin Robert. She supervised all business and informational matters regarding the book. Like the General’s spirit, his book went marching on with his guidebook to democracy safe in his daughter-in-law’s care. Sarah and son Henry prepared the first “Newly Revised” edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, which was published in 1970. This was the seventh edition of the famous work. Following his mother’s death in 1972, Henry III served as trustee in conjunction with the Robert’s Rules Association. A Sense of Fair Play The Robert legacy is a rich one going back to Henry’s great-grandfather, Joseph Thomas Robert, who was a physician, ordained Baptist minister, and educator. Joseph Thomas had 6 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
been raised in a slave-holding family, a history that he found troubling and which ultimately led him to become an abolitionist. “We have been told that he became a close friend of an abolitionist named William Henry Brisbane, who doubtless influenced him,” explained Henry III. “We know that in 1850 he freed those enslaved on his plantation and moved his family to Ohio where he secured a pastorate because he did not want to raise his children in a slave-served society.” Joseph Thomas subsequently pastored churches in Covington, Kentucky, and in Lebanon and Savannah, Georgia. He later moved into college teaching and eventually became president of Burlington University in Iowa. In 1867, under the auspices of the American Baptist Home Mission Society and the Springfield Baptist Church, a school for recently freed slaves was opened in Augusta, Georgia, under the name of the Augusta Theological Institute (later Morehouse College, one of the historic African-American universities). The school faced many challenges. One of the early teachers, Reverend Charles Corey, wrote, “The times politically were unsettled. Prejudices were strong, and with but few facilities, not very much was accomplished. I had some warnings from the Ku-Klux Klan, and on a few occasions the city authorities… sent some policemen to protect our evening school.”
Concerned at the school’s precarious state three years after its founding, Reverend James Dixon, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Augusta, requested the American Baptist Home Mission Society appoint Thomas Joseph to take charge of the school. And so it was that a former slave owner came to be the first president of what is known now as Morehouse College. This heritage helped shape the Roberts to come. Henry’s grandfather, an engineering officer in the regular army, was similarly active in church organizations and civic and educational work wherever he was stationed. It was those experiences that convinced him of “the need for a new kind of parliamentary manual.” Thus was born Robert’s Rules of Order. In Henry III it instilled an innate sense of decency and desire for fair play. It gave him kindness and a true desire to serve humanity. He did so in many ways, including service in the
U.S. Navy during World War II. With a master’s degree in physics, he served as an ensign at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Henry was a lifelong adherent and promoter of liberal arts education. He honored his father’s memory by annually presenting the Robert Prize in mathematics to a graduating midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis where his father had taught mathematics. Faith and church were central to Henry’s life. He was extremely active in his church. Early each morning he could be found leading the rosary before early morning mass. His stentorian voice led some 25 people in prayer every morning in devotions to the Blessed Mother, beginning with “Hail Mary full of grace” and often lasted about 30 minutes, as he explained the themes for each of the five decades of the rosary. He was forceful, polite, and focused, as if he www.parliamentarians.org
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were looking for a meeting to run or some complicated issues to resolve. A Living Legend Henry similarly left an indelible mark on NAP. He became active in the organization upon serving as the national parliamentarian from 1979-1981. He also taught numerous workshops and was a frequent lecturer at NAP national events. In 2015, NAP named him an Honorary Past President, making him the second person ever to be so honored, the first being the founder of NAP, Silas W. Longan. This honor was granted by a two-thirds vote of the convention upon recommendation by the NAP Board of Directors after which all the living past presidents of NAP presented him with a 24-carat-gold-plated gavel. 8 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
“I recall the joy that the NAP convention felt when they granted Mr. Robert the title of Honorary President,” remembered Ann Guiberson, who was president at the time. “The past presidents wanted to honor Henry and felt that he deserved to be only the second person ever to be honored with this prestigious title. It took a bit of a struggle because we hadn’t given notice of the necessary bylaws amendment which meant it would require a nine-tenths vote, but after discussion, it passed. That says a lot about how much respect NAP members felt for Henry Robert.” Henry M. Robert III was a living legend in NAP. His presence at NAP events and his continual support of the association has provided a visible link between the present and the past. Some of his closest NAP colleagues
shared memories upon his passing. Thomas (Burke) Balch, a member of the RONR Authorship Team and long-time NAP member reminisced: “Henry Martyn Robert III, when comfortable around people, could be quite a raconteur. I was fascinated not only by his detailed accounts of the tangled story of how the ‘newly revised’ seventh edition of Robert’s Rules came to be conceived and completed, but also his tales of historical events he witnessed, like FDR being carried by Secret Service agents before making a speech at the Naval Academy (at a time when his inability to walk was not widely known among the general public).” “I remember when a teacher wrote to criticize pronunciation given for Latin phrases in RONR, his erudite explanation of the three competing theories and defense of the choice of the ‘Law Latin’ version,” he added. Past-President Ronald R. Stinson, said of his close friend, “I will never forget what Henry told me when in conversation, I said, ‘Henry I understand that you have resigned from being parliamentarian for the Conference of Bishops. Why did you do this?’ He said, ‘Ron you have to know to get out before you get silly.’ I often think of this statement and how true it is. Henry always knew
the right time to do whatever needed doing. He was a classy gentleman.” Past-President Ann Guiberson recalled when she first met Henry M. Robert III in 2008 while presenting a workshop at the Maryland State Association’s annual meeting. “When I arrived at the meeting, I gulped twice as I realized I would be presuming to teach Henry M. Robert III as well as Burke Balch and John Stackpole. Talk about intimidated! Nevertheless, I got through my presentation. Imagine how thrilled I was when Mr. Robert shook my hand and told me the presentation was very interesting. He was very gracious and even asked some questions. I couldn’t tell you now what they were, but I can tell you that it made my day!” NAP members mourn the loss of this giant in the parliamentary world and send our sympathies to the extended Robert family. Those who wish to make a remembrance gift in honor of Mr. Robert may make a contribution to the Henry M. Robert III Fund in care of the NAP Office.
Dr. Leonard Young, PRP, is a long-time professional parliamentarian and champion of the use of parliamentary procedure for more effective meetings. He served NAP as president from 1999-2001 and later as executive director (2010-2012). www.parliamentarians.org
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Hope For A Happy (And Civil) New Year by Blake D. Morant
Note: This article was originally printed in Forbes Magazine, December 12, 2018. Reprinted with permission.
My recent participation in a series of national conversations on good governance and civil discourse, which was jointly sponsored by the George Washington University Law School and the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), has prompted considerable reflection. Introspective thought often occurs in December when the calendar-year speeds to closure. A seeming wave of polemic events, including vitriolic political communications, along with inflammatory rhetoric that arguably led to the shootings in Pittsburgh and Kentucky, dominates my reflection and reveals an existential problem in our complex democracy: the erosion of civil discourse. Masked under a free speech rubric, individuals increasingly engage in caustic, hyperbolic, and even discourteous rhetoric stimulated by increased political polarization. The backlash against political correctness has fueled reliance on the First Amendment as justification to speak one’s mind regardless of negative effects. The right to speak freely has resultantly become a moniker for unabashed expressive 10 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
behavior without any acceptance of the accompanying responsibility to exercise that right respectfully. As a result, individuals talk at, rather than to, one another. Uncivil discourse becomes a seemingly accepted norm and a cathartic weapon that galvanizes personally held beliefs. It also motivates like-minded individuals while alienating others with a different point of view. Fortunately, 2018 ushered in a groundswell of focus on civility and its commensurate essentiality to a productive and meaningful exchange. NAP, together with GW Law, launched the Great Conversation series, in which panels of distinguished professionals nationwide engage in a lively discussion of civility’s merits. My participation in the first of these panels took place last week as the holiday season accelerated into full tilt. My contribution to the inaugural panel in this series built upon my continued crusade to implore educators to inculcate in students the virtues of civil discourse. As my May 2018 article, “In Praise of Civility” in The Atlantic emphasized, persuasion dissipates when incivility dominates.
The backlash against political correctness has fueled reliance on the First Amendment as justification to speak one’s mind regardless of negative effects . . . As a result, individuals talk at, rather than to, one another.
Year-end reflections can often inspire thoughts of a more restorative new year. In the case of civility, I have great hope that its merits will be trumpeted throughout 2019. Certainly, NAP and GW Law, through their jointly sponsored Great Conversation, will lead the charge. A dominant point in this discussion is that civility constitutes a foundational element of professionalism, which is a vital attribute for success in the 21st century. To this end, I offer the following precepts that, if adopted, should lead to more civil exchanges: 1. Cultivate respect for your opponent (if in a debate) or audience and maintain a respectful speaking tone; 2. Understand the sensibilities of your opponent or audience as you prepare your presentation;
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE 3. Use language that persuades rather than offends; 4. Discuss ideas rather than hurl accusations or insults; 5. Listen to your opponent and avoid interrupting her discourse. I remain cautiously optimistic that the acrimonious rhetoric that has dominated headlines throughout 2018 will ultimately give way to a greater focus on civility in 2019. Educators and civic leaders must strongly promote civil discourse as a construct of constructive engagement, thereby maximizing the communication of ideas and the broadening of minds. If civility becomes an accepted norm, perhaps the often-cited phrase, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward [All],” will morph from mere platitude to reality.
Blake Morant serves as dean and Robert Kramer Research Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School. Prior to assuming the deanship of GW Law in 2014, he was dean of the Wake Forest University School of Law for seven years. He speaks around the globe on current issues.
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The Reticent Parliamentarian John R. Berg, PRP
“It is difficult to find another branch of knowledge where a small amount of study produces such great results in increased efficiency in a country where the people rule, as in parliamentary law.” This quote from Henry M. Robert appears on the introductory page v of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed.) (RONR). An alternative version of this might be that it is difficult to find another branch of knowledge where a small amount of study produces such disastrous effects, as in parliamentary law. It is not uncommon for someone with newly-found knowledge of parliamentary procedure to get enthusiastic about it and immediately attempt to apply it in all the meetings they attend. They will disrupt meetings with points of order on trivial matters. They missed the part that says, “In ordinary meetings it is undesirable to raise points of order on minor irregularities of a purely technical character, if it is clear that no one’s rights are being infringed upon and no real harm is being done to the proper transaction of business” (RONR, p. 250, ll. 11-15). For those who have been brave enough to read all the way through RONR, followed by attending a typical meeting that supposedly follows RONR, the experience can be appalling. Errors and unnecessary procedures seem to jump out from everywhere: The secretary reports attendance and the chair declares a quorum present; a motion is made simply to dispense with the reading of the minutes because the assembly 12 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
does not want to bother with them, or a motion is made to approve the minutes; there is a motion and vote to accept the treasurer’s monthly report; motions are simply tabled to kill them, or “tabled until…”; debate ends as soon as someone in the back calls out “I call for the question”; members are addressing others in debate rather than addressing the chair; the chair decides to close debate and take a vote when some members still want to speak; there is a call for a motion to adjourn when there is no further new business. For more examples, see “RONR vs. The Real World,” by David C. Mezzera, PRP, National Parliamentarian, Winter 2019 (Vol. 80, No. 2), pp. 17-19. As stated previously, a member trying to correct all these errors can become very disruptive. What should be the role of the parliamentarian encountering a multitude of errors? Which of these issues can be ignored and which require correction? Some organizations operate very informally with very lax application of RONR and still function in a cordial manner. Ignorance is bliss, and they may not know any better. At what point do changes need to be made? RONR provides for modified rules for committees and small boards of about a dozen or less (pp. 487-488), and any society with a small assembly may choose to conduct its business according to these modified rules (p. 16, ll. 12-16). Regardless of the size of the assembly, RONR is not intended to be applied rigidly, but with reason and common sense. While common sense is specifically mentioned only twice in RONR, its necessity permeates the application of all the rules. “…[A]ny presiding officer will do well to bear in mind that no rules can take the place of tact and common sense on the part of the chairman” (RONR, p. 449, ll. 12-14; see also p. 139, ll. 29-33). When the maker of a motion wishes to withdraw the motion after it has been opened for debate, the permission of the assembly is required (RONR, p. 296, ll. 21-24). Normally this is not controversial and is accomplished by unanimous consent. If the chair senses the will of the assembly and grants the maker’s request without asking for unanimous consent, it is generally unproductive to raise a Point of Order unless there is a particular reason why someone would not want the motion www.parliamentarians.org
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withdrawn. Such a reason could be that someone wants to force a vote on the matter, or perhaps the motion was amended to strike “commend” and insert “censure.” The injunction to “do no harm” is found in many disciplines and can be useful in the application of parliamentary procedure in two ways. First, is the technical violation of the rules causing any harm? Are the rights of any of the members, present or absent, being violated? Secondly, if everything else is going well, will the strict application of the rules simply disrupt the meeting or harm the process? The injunction “do no harm” and common sense can guide the parliamentarian and the chair. If the chair has a desire to improve the functioning of the meetings and has confidence in the parliamentarian, they can work together before the meeting to improve the procedures without disrupting the meeting itself. If the chair has not requested such detailed assistance in advance, the parliamentarian in most instances would best be reticent: restrained in expression, or inclined to be silent (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.) p. 1064). “During a meeting, the work of the parliamentarian should be limited to giving advice to the chair and, when requested, to any other member. It is also the duty of the parliamentarian – as inconspicuously as possible – to call the attention of the chair to any error in the proceedings that may affect the substantive rights of any member or may otherwise do harm” (RONR, p. 466, ll. 12-17). “In advising the chair, the parliamentarian should not wait until asked for advice – that may be too late. An experienced parliamentarian will often see a problem developing and be able to head it off with a few words to the chair” (RONR, p. 466, ll. 28-30). “Make no waves” can also be a wise guideline if the parliamentarian wants another engagement for the organization’s next meeting. John R. Berg, PRP, is currently president of the Washington State Association of Parliamentarians and has served as parliamentarian for a number of national organizations. He holds a degree in psychology from Seattle Pacific University and resides near Port Orchard, Washington. 14 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
From the
Mouths of Babes by Al Gage, PRP
I have coached and judged teams in parliamentary procedure since 2003 in two different Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO): the FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) and HOSA (formerly Health Occupations Students of America). During these stints of coaching and judging some very interesting things have happened in the course of either competing or preparing a team. To prepare a team to be competitive in a national competition in one of these organizations takes hundreds of hours of preparation. Aside from the successes that you will enjoy, you can expect a few little nuggets to warm your heart for years to come. These are the nuggets that warm my heart:
• • • In 2010 our team had made it to the FFA national finals. Several NAP members were on the judging panel. To describe how an FFA contest works, the teams are given a main motion and five additional required motions which are assigned to
individual team members. Each team member must perform the required motion, an additional motion, and four debates in approximately 11 minutes with a single minute to prepare without talking amongst themselves. This team was very well prepared, and I could not understand the perplexed looks on their faces. I understood their dilemma as soon as they made the main motion. The main motion was “to plant trees for the Soil Conservation Service.” Let’s just say that this is not the best topic for a team from the deserts of Arizona to debate. They struggled with it for several minutes when suddenly one of the floor members said: “Got it!” She stood up and moved to amend the motion by striking “trees” and inserting “cactus.” The audience laughed a little (which generally is not good). I saw my chairman hesitate which was unusual. He then said, “Would the member like to use the proper English and insert ‘cacti’ instead of ‘cactus’ unless the member’s intent is to only plant one.” The audience of about 4,000 roared. The team members proceeded to complete their run but struggled to justify “cacti” as a legitimate soil conservation method and wound up fourth out of the four finalist teams.
• • • In another instance, in about 2004, my youngest daughter was a team member, and we were having a practice. The debate topic was pollination by honeybees. In her debate, she was trying to explain the harmful effects that the loss of www.parliamentarians.org
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pollinators would have on agricultural production when that moment happened that most of us have experienced. She knew where she was going with the debate, but the words simply would not come out of her mouth. She concluded her debate with “corn go bye-bye.” Ever since then, whenever someone in our family loses his train of thought, another family member will automatically chime in with “corn go bye-bye.”
• • • In 2013 we again had a team make it to the FFA National Finals Stage. During the mock meeting, one of the members rose to a question of privilege that is was hot and could they all remove their FFA jackets. This particular member was one of the most animated speakers I have ever had. He pleaded with his eyes. Fearing this would cause the team to automatically lose the competition, the chairman denied his request. The member immediately sprang up with a passionate and animated “I appeal from the decision of the chair” which was seconded. The rest of the team also not wanting to be disqualified or at the very least embarrassed, sustained the decision of the chair. After the performance, the judges can ask several minutes of questions. One of the judges asked, “Why he was so passionate about wanting to remove his jacket?” He stuck to his guns and continued to reply that on the stage in front of 3,000 people with the lights burning on him and in a corduroy jacket, it was really, really hot up there! After the competition, he said 16 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
to me “I wanted to say ‘Since my sister was the chairman, I have been appealing every decision she has made my entire life,’ but I didn’t think they would like that.”
• • • During these competitions, the judges also ask a set of prepared questions, one to each member. The members get questions about their required motion, but the chair can be asked a question about just about anything in the book. The question they asked the chairman in 2013 was “What are the five types of deliberative assemblies?” I remember the look of absolute relief on her face as the question was asked by one of our fellow NAP PRP members. She started to sing her little song that helped her remember the answer. In a sing-song tone, she said “Mass Meeting, Regular Meeting of an Organized Society…” The judge interrupted and said, “Wait a minute, did you say past meeting? (Having judged in this venue, it can be a little hard to hear the team’s responses.) She said “No Sir!” and began to sing “Mass Meeting, Regular Meeting…” The judge then interrupted again and said, “Did you say last meeting?” As teenagers will do, she was getting a little frustrated with the judge interrupting her song. There was a very audible “huff ” into the microphone. She put her hand on her hip as only she can do and said, “No Sir! MASS MEETING like when you go to church!” while making the age-old hand gesture for a church. The audience roared and then she finished her song. I know that was a
little impetuous, but she was named Best Chairman of the competition.
• • • Fast-forward to a practice in 2015, right before the HOSA National Competition which this team would eventually win. The practice was in my office during the summer, and this team was composed of several members who had competed for two years in FFA and two years in HOSA. Needless to say, it was not their first day, and they had become somewhat immune to the sound of Mr. Gage’s voice. During the middle of their practice run, one of the girls sneezed. Another politely said “Bless you!” and the third chimed in with “Second!” They would’ve kept on going except I was having a meltdown trying not to spew soda out of my nose. Sometimes you can overtrain your teams.
over the lighting, his question of privilege was denied (how could he appeal that?). As you know, it is now forever memorialized in the minutes of that meeting that his face is beautiful in the chair’s eyes. At the end of their run, this contest allows the judges to ask three minutes of clarification questions about the performance. Of course, I had to ask the question, so I obtained the microphone and asked “Madam Chairman, had a member appealed your ruling, would they have been appealing that his face was beautiful or that you had no control of the lights?” Her responses surprised me. She said that since there could not be two reasonable opinions about the beauty of his face or her control of the lights, that the appeal would not have been in order. I had nothing else to say at that point.
• • •
• • •
This past summer, I was judging the state contest for one of these CTSOs. One of the members rose to a question of privilege. The question of privilege was that the lights on the stage (in front of about 800 students) were very hot and could the lighting be adjusted, so it was not so hot. The junior chair very eloquently ruled that since the young man’s face was obviously beautiful and the audience must see it, and she had no control
I encourage every member of our organization to engage with a youth group, either as a judge or as a coach. You will find no more captive audience, and they all have pliable young minds. If you need assistance finding a team to coach or a contest to judge, please email me at al@algage.com. It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life to watch these students progress in their parliamentary studies.
Al Gage, PRP, CPP, PAP is the current superintendent of the National FFA Conduct of Chapter Meetings Leadership Development Event, Vice President of American Institute of Parliamentarians, and President of the Society of Agricultural Education Parliamentarians, is the Youth Activities and Scholarship Chair for AIP and chairs a Youth Engagement Subcommittee of the Youth Committee in NAP. www.parliamentarians.org
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Call i ng A ll M embers !
Join us for
NAP
42nd Biennial Convention September 5-8, 2019
Westgate Las Vegas Hotel • Las Vegas, NV
N A P Opens in Vegas
Thursday, September 5 Don’t Miss It!
The NAP Biennial Convention is your best bet for expert-led continuing educational offerings in parliamentary procedure. There will be more than 30 educational sessions this year, including workshops and hands-on labs on such topics as motions, governing documents, minute taking, presiding, opinion writing – just to name a few. There truly will be something for everyone, regardless of experience. All offerings will tie back to NAP’s Body of Knowledge, which outlines the competencies leaders, consultants, and members need to run effective meetings and organizations. Even the organization’s biennial business meetings held during the convention are prime education. You will actually see and experience parliamentary procedure in action. You won’t have this kind of opportunity anywhere else. 18 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
This Year’s Headliners • The new Secretary Laboratory will spotlight minutes. • The new Parliamentarian Laboratory is for those parliamentarians working as consultants.
Building on the success of the Presiding Laboratory at last year’s training conference, this year’s convention will feature three hands-on labs that will prepare you to be a better presider, parliamentarian, or secretary. Choose the track and level you need and get ready to learn. • The Presiding Laboratory will return with levels available to suit your level of parliamentary knowledge.
This year also features a track on Governing Documents presented by the NAP Educational Foundation. The series of five sessions on everything from state statutes to standing rules was developed through an education grant from NAPEF. Also new this year, NAP is working with SCORE Las Vegas on a workshop to help parliamentarians who are starting a new business or growing an existing one. It’s perfect for PRPs and RPs, and any other entrepreneurs in our midst.
Watch your email and www.napconvention.com for more details about these and all the educational sessions as they become available.
www.parliamentarians.org
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NAP
42nd Biennial Convention September 5-8, 2019 Westgate Las Vegas Hotel • Las Vegas, NV
Schedule at a Glance (As of 4/1/2019 – Subject to change) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – Golf Outing* 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Leadership Conference (Separate registration required) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting 2 p.m.-7 p.m. – Registration & Credentialing Open
3:45 p.m.-4:45 p.m. – NAPEF Annual Meeting
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 7:30 a.m.-4 pm. – Registration & Credentialing Open 7:30 a.m.-8:45 am. – Breakfast with the Commission 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. – NAP Business Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. – Lunch – “Celebrating Our Past Presidents” 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. – Bookstore Open
5 p.m.-6 p.m. – First Timers’ Orientation
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – Workshops
6 p.m.-8 p.m. – Welcome Reception (sponsored by NAPEF)
2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. – Break
8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Bylaws Forum
4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. – Listening Session (Association & Unit Leaders only)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. – Workshops
7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Registration & Credentialing Open 7:30 a.m.-8:45 am. – Welcome Breakfast 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. – NAP Business Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. – Lunch – “Celebrating Our Present” 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. – Bookstore Open 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – Workshops 2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. – Break 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. – Workshops 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. – NAPEF Lake Mead Dinner Cruise*
Join us for 18 holes before convention! Wednesday, Sept. 4 @ 8 a.m. Details at www.napconvention.com/ 2019golf
* Requires additional ticket 20 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. – Breakfast – “Anticipating Our Future”
7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. – Interfaith Service
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Registration Open
8 a.m.- 9:45 am. – Closing Breakfast – “Moving Forward”
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Bookstore Open
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Workshops
9 a.m.-10 a.m. – Workshops
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Bookstore Open
10 a.m.-10:15 a.m. – Break
1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. – 2019-2021 Board Meeting
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Workshops 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. – Lunch (on your own) 1:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m. – Hands-On Labs: Parliamentarian, Presiding, Secretary 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. – Listening Session (Association & Unit Leaders only)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES Separate registration required
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 2 p.m.-5 p.m. – Professional Qualifying Course (PQC) 2 p.m.-5 p.m. – Professional Renewal Course (PRC)
MONDAY, SEPT. 9 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – Professional Qualifying Course (PQC) 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – Professional Renewal Course (PRC)
Visit our website
www.napconvention
.com
to find more things that Vegas has to offer!
TUESDAY, SEPT. 10 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Professional Qualifying Course (PQC) 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Professional Renewal Course (PRC)
www.parliamentarians.org
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NAP
42nd Biennial Convention September 5-8, 2019 Westgate Las Vegas Hotel • Las Vegas, NV
New Hands-on Laboratories THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Lab P residing The Presiding Laboratory provides a safe space to practice presiding. It gives you an opportunity to think on your feet in a “life-like” presiding setting; demonstrate your knowledge of the action required of a presiding officer – and generally strut your stuff! Use the following descriptions to select the presiding lab you want to attend. • Basic – Practice processing main motions and to amend by inserting, adding, or striking out, using the six steps for handling a motion. • Intermediate – Practice handling the 13 ranking motions and the most common incidental motions. • Advanced – In this lab, practice all the motions: 13 ranking motions, incidental motions, and bring back motions. Be ready for anything.
Be sure to sign up for the laboratory you want to attend when you register for the convention. There is no additional fee, but we do need you to sign up so we may plan accordingly.
22 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
P
arliamentarian Lab What does it take to be a successful parliamentarian? That’s what this interactive laboratory will explore. Choose the level that best suits you, using the following descriptions as a guide. • Basic – Give advice to the presiding officer on questions related to the 13 ranking motions. This lab is for those with little to no experience in serving as a parliamentarian. • Intermediate – Give advice to the presiding officer on questions related to the 13 ranking motions and the most common incidental motions. This lab is for those who are ready to tackle more motions and other parliamentary situations. • Advanced – Give advice to the presiding officer on any kind of motion or parliamentary situation. This lab is for those who want to stretch their abilities, test their skills, or assess their strengths and weaknesses.
S A
ecretary Lab Are meeting minutes always a question mark for you? Are you hearing minutes that take as long to read as the meeting? Then the Secretary Lab experience is for you. Sign up to save your space and come practice taking meeting minutes in a safe space with other learners and supportive coaches.
How to Register Registering for NAP’s 42nd Biennial Convention is easy. Choose one of these convenient, secure options: • Register online at www.napconvention.com • Register by mail or fax using the enclosed registration form • Register by calling 816.833.3892 Whichever method you use, be sure to register early and save! Registration & Activity Fees Convention registration fees include welcome reception Wednesday; buffet breakfast Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; Member Recognition Luncheon Thursday and Past Presidents’ Luncheon Friday; access to speaker handouts on the free GuideBook application. One-day registration includes meals and breaks offered only on the selected day.
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
STUDENTS
$399 $450 $475
$450 $500 $525
$199 $225 $235
$150 $175 $200
$200 $225 $250
$100 $125 $150
FULL Convention Early Bird (by 7/15) Regular (7/16-8/19) On-site (after 8/19)
ONE-DAY Convention Early Bird (by 7/15) Regular (7/16-8/19) On-site (after 8/19)
Additional Fees Printed Workshop Material NAPEF Lake Mead Dinner Cruise (Thursday, Sept. 5) Includes a $65 donation to NAPEF
$20/copy $150 (thru 8/4) $175 (after 8/4) $80
Golf Outing (Wednesday, Sept. 4)
CANC ELLATION POLICY Registration refund requests must be received in writing by NAP Headquarters no later than August 19, 2019. A $75 cancellation fee will apply. No refunds will be issued for no-shows or cancellations received after August 19, 2019. A $30 handling fee will be assessed for all returned checks. www.parliamentarians.org
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NAP
42nd Biennial Convention September 5-8, 2019 Westgate Las Vegas Hotel • Las Vegas, NV
Where to Stay & How to Get There
The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is the site of the 2019 convention. It is located just a block off the Strip with an onsite monorail stop for easy access to the bright lights and excitement of the Strip. It’s the best of both worlds. It has several dining options – Asian, steaks, Italian, Mexican, Starbucks – whatever you’re craving; an array of shops to purchase everything from souvenir magnets to resort apparel; a relaxing spa; music, comedy, and magic to entertain. And there’s the casino, of course. It’s aIl right there.
Visit the website
• Room rates for the 2019 convention are $104 (plus taxes)
www.napconvention.com for infomation regarding transportation to and from the airport.
• The easiest way to reserve your room is online at www.napconvention.com/2019hotel. Or call Westgate at 800.635.7711 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. (PDT) daily.
For those of you driving, the hotel is offering NAP attendees complimentary self- and valet parking.
Use the NAP convention code SNAP9R to get the discounted rates, including waiving of the resort fee.
These rates are effective Friday, September 1, thru Monday, September 9. The reservation deadline is August 1, 2019. You will be charged one-night deposit per room (plus taxes) at the time of reservation to guarantee your room. 24 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 3000 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 www.westgateresorts.com/ hotels/nevada/las-vegas/ westgate-las-vegasresort-casino
Nominees for Office
Meet the Candidates
P res i dent Darlene T. Allen, PRP Darlene has been a member of the NAP since 1998. She achieved RP status in 2002 and PRP status in 2003. She has 20+ years of service to members at all levels: Unit, State, District, and National. She served on the Board of Directors from 2011-2013 and 2015-2017. She currently serves as Vice-President and is on the Strategic Planning, Budget and Finance, and NAPOPP committees. During the last two administrations there has been a concentrated effort to increase membership and service to members, with promising results. It’s this experience, combined with integrity and the heart of a service-focused leader that makes Darlene a solid candidate for NAP President. To remain relevant, our organization must change to meet member and potential member needs and to ensure financial solvency. Our priorities and focus should align our mission, vision, efforts, and resources with the strategic plan. It’s also necessary to embed regular assessments of our efforts into a process that promotes transparency, teamwork, and trust. Darlene envisions the next president’s and board’s efforts will include new/improved campaigns to recruit and retain members, additional non-dues opportunities for financial solvency, quality educational program options for every membership level, a fresh and up-to-date Web and Social Media presence, and a robust credentialing program necessary for NAP’s continued success and survival. NAP also experiences two important milestones in the next biennium: release of RONR 12th edition and our 90th Anniversary. Darlene accepts these challenges and asks for your vote to elect her as President.
www.parliamentarians.org
25
Nominees for Office
c o nt i n u ed
V i c e - P res i dent Wanda M. Sims, PRP I’m asking for the support of all NAP members in my campaign to be elected as NAP Vice President at the September Convention in Las Vegas. For the past four years it’s been a privilege to serve as your NAP Treasurer. During this time, I have enjoyed working with the previous and current administrations to improve NAP’s financial position. During my two terms as Treasurer, the NAP more than doubled its investment portfolio from $200K to $500K while strengthening its internal controls. In addition to serving as NAP Treasurer, I serve as the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, am a member of the Strategy Planning and the Pricing Committees, am an instructor for the Professional Qualifying Course, and I have gladly accepted other duties as assigned by the President and Board of Directors. I’m an active member of the McCaskill Unit, where I previously served as president, vice president, parliamentarian and historian. I also served as treasurer for the District of Columbia Association of Parliamentarians, served as Conference Coordinator for District Two (2012 and 2014), acted as Assistant Workshop Coordinator for the 2015 Biennial Convention, and was a workshop presenter at the 2016 Training Conference. As an experienced leader who wholeheartedly believes in serving and helping others, if elected to be your Vice President, I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the NAP to accomplish its mission and goals. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
26 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
V i c e - P res i dent James H. Stewart, PRP There has been great progress in this association over the last several administrations, but we cannot rest on our laurels, if we are not moving forward, we are going backward, there is no standing still. A new organization of committees has been implemented, has brought excellent results, and the cluster system should be not only continued, but created as the new model of committee structure in NAP. Our partners program should expand, and take less time to create the partnerships. We are failing to collect data on our members service to clients, what clients, when, where and what service. This is vital information not only for our future planning to serve the true needs of our members, but for effectively marketing NAP and the services its members provide to the world. This data collection would also give NAP the ability to research the real-world use of parliamentary procedure so that we can teach real world application more effectively. The recruitment of young professionals is vital to our survival, and this will take a paradigm shift in our thinking, education, communications and operations. Let us not be afraid of change, but rather embrace the challenge going forward.
www.parliamentarians.org
27
Nominees for Office
c o nt i n u ed
V i c e - P res i dent Alison Wallis, PRP Alison Wallis seeks your support for the office of Vice-President. Alison respects the views and voice of her fellow parliamentarians and respects the rules we as members have agreed to follow. She pledges to listen to and assist our members and to follow our rules so that we have a healthy organization that can serve us now and in the future. Alison joined NAP in 2003 and became a Professional Registered Parliamentarian in 2005. She has an extensive record of commitment within NAP. She was President of the Louisiana Association of Parliamentarians and is honored to have served as the District Six Director. Alison has served on a number of national committees of NAP. She has taught many professional development classes. Alison was elected to the NAP Board of Directors and is completing her second term of office. She is a frequent presenter on parliamentary topics at unit, association, district, and national events. Alison has a strong commitment to the values of parliamentary procedure. She has an active parliamentary practice. She is a Certified Parliamentarian-Teacher and has served three terms as president of the American Institute of Parliamentarians. She is a trustee and life member of the National Association of Parliamentarians Education Foundation. Alison will put her experience, commitment, and passion to work for you.
28 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
S e c retary Kevin Connelly, PRP Since joining NAP in 2000, Kevin Connelly has served the organization on the local, association, and national levels. Since becoming a Professional Registered Parliamentarian in 2002, Kevin has served the Washington State Association of Parliamentarians (WSAP) as its secretary, vice president, president, and parliamentarian. He is an officer in three parliamentary law units, and has presented educational workshops at the unit, association, district, and national levels. He also has served as a parliamentarian to community associations, professional organizations, nonprofit corporations, and political parties. Nationally, Kevin has served on the Membership Extension and Retention Committee since 2015. He was a District Director to the 2015-2017 NAP Board of Directors, and currently serves on the Board as secretary. Kevin has a passion for working with youth partnership organizations. He has coached several parliamentary competition teams for chapters of the FBLA and the FCCLA and has evaluated at their Regional, State, and National Conferences. He recently presented a webinar on Youth Parliamentary Competition Coaching. Kevin enjoys serving NAP as its secretary, and welcomes the opportunity to serve again. If re-elected, he will continue to give his best effort to NAP, and asks for your support to allow him to do so.
www.parliamentarians.org
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Nominees for Office
c o nt i n u ed
D i re c to r -At- L arge Joyce Brown-Watkins, PRP In 1990, Joyce became a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians for the sole purpose, at that time, of imparting knowledge of effective meeting management to her students as well as to prepare them to compete in parliamentary procedure competitions. Since that time her interest has grown to the extent that she received her Professional Registered Parliamentarian credential and made a very conscious effort to continue her growth and development in the use of parliamentary procedure. Joyce has spent the last four years serving on the NAP Board of Directors, first as an elected district director and currently as Director-at-Large. Prior to her service on the board she served as District Four Director (2013-2017), a member of the NAP Youth Committee, Membership Extension and Retention Committee, and currently a member of the Pricing Committee, to name a few. The opportunity to serve as a Director-at-Large has helped her to achieve goals and carry out the mission of NAP. Determined to promote NAP, meeting management and the credentialing process is a goal of Joyce’s. In addition, Joyce has the desire to bring out the best in all of our members, potential members, and especially the leaders throughout our association. Joyce asks for your continued support of her candidacy and re-election as Director-at-Large in an effort to continue to aid in the growth and development of NAP while striving to promote the mission of our association. Joyce desires to open the lines of communication within the association becoming more transparent in all of our relationships with members and partners. She wants to help develop a feeling of oneness on the board which will strengthen board relations and NAP through all areas.
30 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
D i re c to r -At- L arge Adam Hathaway, PRP Adam Hathaway, PRP, has been a member of the NAP since 2005 and a leader in the community for more than twenty-five years. Adam’s devotion to and enthusiasm for serving the public are augmented by his expertise with organizations of many types and his education, having a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication. Adam has served in leadership and board positions at the national, state and local levels. Adam has served as Unit President (2008-2010) and then as Association Secretary (2007-2009), Vice-President (2011-2012), President (2012-2015) and Parliamentarian (2009-2011, 2015-Present). He has been a presenter at the NMSAP Smart Meetings for over a decade, at district workshops and once at the NTC. Adam believes deeply in the mission and goals of NAP and will work tirelessly to promote them as a director. He believes that parliamentarians are “Practitioners of Democracy” who inspire equal access to the process and equal access to democracy. We can only do this if our national association continues to creatively address recruitment of all generations, provide guidance and tools to our associations, and educate the educators. Let us all do this together.
www.parliamentarians.org
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Nominees for Office
c o nt i n u ed
D i re c to r -At- L arge Carl Nohr, PRP I would love to serve on the Board of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). I have been a member of NAP since 2013, Registered Parliamentarian in 2017 and Professional Registered Parliamentarian in 2018. I have served on several Boards as a Director or President, including: Vice Chair, Canadian Medical Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . 2018-Present Director, Canadian Medical Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017-Present President, Alberta Medical Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015-2016 Board Chair, Alberta Medical Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015-2016 Director, Alberta Medical Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014-2017 Member of Council, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010-2014 President, Palliser Medical Staff Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007-2010 Director, Royal Victoria Hospital Board . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-1986 Director, Executive Board of QuÊbecTransplantation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-1992 I have served in several aspects of the parliamentary arena. I am currently serving as the Speaker for the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), responsible for meeting organization and management for an association of approximately 10,000 members. I served as the Co-Chair of the Working Group that wrote the Medical Staff Bylaws for the AMA. I am also currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Canadian Medical Association (85,000 members). I have served on a Finance and Audit Committee, as well as other Ethics, Bylaws and Legislation committees of professional associations. I offer experience, enthusiasm and international membership. 32 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
Test Yourself
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Vocabulary Builder
Use the underlined letters and the definition to complete the word, and then write the answer in the blank provided. EXAMPLE: men
A motion used to change the wording of another motion.
amend _ ______________
1. tat the question 2. gal vote 3. son 4. dit 5. sio of a question 6. all meeting 7. ise a question of riv Two words 8. vio question 9. der of business 10. ber
Restatement of a motion (question) by the chair after it is proposed by a member. A vote cast by a member of an organization who is entitled to vote. A title to refer to a presider who has no regular title or whose position may be temporary. Examination of an organization’s financial records. An incidental motion used to separate a motion so that different parts may be considered individually. A special meeting. A privileged motion used to secure immediate action that involves the comfort, convenience, rights, or privileges of the assembly or an individual. A motion used to demand a vote to stop debate so that a vote can be taken on the pending motion. The adopted schedule of business for a meeting. An individual who has joined an organization and has all the rights, duties, and responsibilities that membership requires.
_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ Answers on page 43
Shane D. Dunbar, MEd, PRP-R, PAP, has conducted over 540 parliamentary procedure workshops nationwide. He has over 16 copyrights dealing with parliamentary procedure instructional materials (including 15 vocabulary builder worksheets) that can be reviewed on www.northwest.net/parli-pro. www.parliamentarians.org
33
Test Yourself
YES or NO? This is a quick reaction quiz. Get a piece of paper and answer each question off the top of your head. Based on your answer – like a treasure hunt – find the correct page, line reference and specific word in RONR. In the listed order, record the words thus found to create a parliamentary message. If you miss an answer, it may make the message unrecognizable. If a word seems out of place, some hints appear later to help you research the correct answers. 1. After an agenda has been adopted by an assembly, may it ever be changed by a majority vote of those present and voting? If “yes,” go to p. 43, l. 31, 8th word. If “no,” go to p. 53, l. 10, 8th word. 2. While a motion to Divide is pending, may a member propose to divide differently by making an amendment to the division? If “yes,” go to p. 159, l. 20, 7th word. If “no,” go to p. 40, l. 33, 8th word. 3. When membership of a board is chosen periodically (such as one-third of the board is elected annually for a three-year term), is it considered a new board each time the group changes membership? If “yes,” go to p. 647, l. 6, 5th word. If “no,” go to p. 493, l. 29, 4th word. 4. While the Previous Question is pending, may a motion be made to lay the main question on the table? If “yes,” go to p. 608, l. 20, 2nd word. If “no,” go to p. 90, l. 13, 5th word. 5. Categorically, according to RONR, is it true that a member of a society who is in arrears in payment of his dues may not vote in an election for officers? If “yes,” go to p. 542, l. 6, 5th word. If “no,” go to p. 604, l. 26, 1st word. 6. Is it true that if any one member objects, a speaker has no right to read from any paper or book as part of his speech without permission of the assembly? If “yes,” go to p. 18, l. 10, 7th word. If “no,” go to p. 669, l. 35, 2nd word.
34 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
Test Yourself
7. Can the motion to Limit or Extend Limits of Debate be amended even though the motion to Amend has a lower precedence as a subsidiary motion? If “yes,” go to p. 6, l. 25, 9th word. If “no,” go to p. 611, l. 19, 1st word. 8. Is it true that a motion to Commit or Refer may be made as a main motion even if the matter to be referred is not currently pending? If “yes,” go to p. 2, l. 1, 3rd word. If “no,” go to p. 121, l. 3, 1st word. 9. A motion to obtain a quorum may be moved as a main motion even when another has the floor. If “yes,” go to p. 3, l. 10, 9th word. If “no,” go to p. 83, l. 10, 13th word. 10. Some resolutions can begin with “Ordered that . . .” rather than “Resolved that . . .” If “yes,” go to p. 640, l. 14, 3rd word. If “no,” go to p. 411, l. 32, 10th word. 11. Are committees, boards and annual sessions all considered to be forms of assemblies? If “yes,” go to p. 40, l. 22, 8th word. If “no,” go to p. 602, l. 35, 6th word.
Hints: If you are having trouble with a specific question, here are RONR pages you can read to study the particular challenge: 1. p. 373 5. p. 406 9. p. 348 2. p. 272 6. p. 393 10. p. 110 3. p. 488-489 7. p. 192 11. p. 5, p. 489 4. p. 199 8. p. 168 Answers on page 43
David Mezzera, PRP, is a past president of the California State Association of Parliamentarians, past District VIII Director and currently chairs NAP’s Micro Certificate Project Subcommittee.
www.parliamentarians.org
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Test Yourself
&
Questions Answers The intent of this column is to provide general answers or advice (not formal, official opinions) about the questions asked. The answers are based on the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless otherwise indicated, and do not take into account such governing authorities as statutes, bylaws, adopted special rules of order, other parliamentary authorities, or earlier editions, except as specifically mentioned. Questions should be mailed to NP Q&A Editor, 213 South Main Street, Independence, MO 64060, or emailed to npeditor@nap2.org. In responses to questions, the following abbreviations are used: RONR
Henry M. Robert et al., Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed. 2011)
PL
Henry M. Robert, Parliamentary Law (1923)
PP
Henry M. Robert, Parliamentary Practice (1921)
Q&AII
NAP Questions & Answers II (1970)
Q&AIII NAP Questions & Answers III (1997) Q&AIV NAP Questions & Answers IV (2010) AIPSC
American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (2012)
Demeter George Demeter, Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure (Blue Book ed. 1969) Keesey
Ray E. Keesey, Modern Parliamentary Procedure (2nd ed. 2018)
Mason
Paul Mason, Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure (2010 ed.)
Riddick Floyd M. Riddick & Miriam M. Butcher, Riddick’s Rules of Procedure (1985) POI
AIP Parliamentary Opinions (1982)
POII
AIP Parliamentary Opinions II (1992)
POIII
AIP Parliamentary Opinions III (2008) (electronic only)
Citations to earlier versions of Henry M. Robert’s rules of order are abbreviated as follows: RO
Editions 1-3, Robert’s Rules of Order
ROR
Editions 4-6, Robert’s Rules of Order Revised
36 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
&
Test Yourself
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Q
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Question 69: Recently, on election day, the member parliamentarian of our organization addressed the body and advised that she was aware of a nominating infraction by a slated candidate that might require that the candidate be removed from consideration. She further informed the body that it is the role of the parliamentarian to oversee the nominating committee and nominating process and, as such, make the determination about whether to allow the candidate to remain slated despite the infraction. Considering this situation, I had several questions: a. Should a parliamentarian ever address the assembly? If so, may the nominating committee chair or the presiding officer ask the parliamentarian to do so? b. Does Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, the organization’s parliamentary authority, give the parliamentarian the authority to oversee the nominating committee? There is no authorization for this in the bylaws, special rules, standing rules, or the organization’s adopted policies and procedures. c. How should a nominating infraction have been addressed? Answer: a. The parliamentarian can address the body if requested to do so by the presiding officer. It is not the duty of the parliamentary to respond to points of order or to point out procedural irregularities to the assembly. Q&AII, qq. 973, 974, p. 214. Further, the parliamentarian may never raise a point of order to correct an improper procedure. Q&AII, q. 982, p. 216. Rather the parliamentarian is to confer with the presiding officer at his or her request in response to a point of order and “to call the attention of the chair to any error in the proceedings that may affect the substantive rights of any member or may otherwise do harm.” RONR, p. 466.
Although RONR, p. 466 states, “Only on the most involved matters should the parliamentarian actually be called upon to speak to the assembly; and the practice should be avoided if at all possible,” the presiding officer has the authority to request that the parliamentarian address the assembly. PL, p. 324. The nominating committee chair has no such power, although he or she could ask the assembly to grant it. www.parliamentarians.org
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Questions Answers continued
Courtesy, however, would require the nominating committee chair to request that the presiding officer agree to asking the parliamentarian to explain procedure to the assembly, as the parliamentarian’s primary role is to advise the presiding officer, not the assembly as a whole. Typically, the parliamentarian would only be asked to address the assembly to explain a complex procedural point, as in this case possibly a complicated procedure for qualification for office. b. RONR itself does not give the parliamentarian any formal role in the work of committees. It does, however, state, “There is no set rule for the number of additional functions a parliamentarian may be asked to perform as a permanent appointee, such as teaching classes, holding office hours during conventions, and the like.” RONR, p. 466. This may well include advising committees. For example, a parliamentarian will often be made an advisor to a bylaws committee or a convention planning committee. For a member parliamentarian to serve as an ex-officio committee member, whether with or without a vote, authority would have to be given in the bylaws (for standing committees provided for in the bylaws) or in the motion creating the committee. It is not recommended, however, that the parliamentarian serve as a committee member – especially not as a voting member. Robert, in PL, p. 325, states: The parliamentarian should never be a member of the board, or serve on a committee or in any other capacity that makes it necessary for him to take sides in matters upon which his opinion as parliamentarian may be desired afterward. Hence, if the bylaws make the officers members of boards, the parliamentarian should be excepted if he is an officer. In fact, it is better if the parliamentarian of a convention is not a delegate, as the two positions are not compatible. See also Q&AII, qq. 992, 993, p. 218; Q&AIII, qq. 499, 501, p. 137. During his or her term, a member parliamentarian should not stand for election or request appointment to a committee in his or her own right (as opposed to an ex-officio role as described above). Assigning the parliamentarian a supervisory role over the nominating committee is particularly discouraged (as it is for the president) because it compromises the parliamentarian’s ability to maintain 38 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
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the appearance of impartiality. Nevertheless, the issue of the parliamentarian serving on the nominating committee has come up repeatedly. See Q&AII, q. 971, p. 214, q. 994, p. 218; Q&AIII, q. 493, p. 135. In one example, an organization went so far as to require the parliamentarian to convene the nominating committee and serve as temporary chairman until the committee elected a permanent chair. This was permitted provided that the parliamentarian leave after the permanent chair was elected. Q&AIII, q. 500, p. 137. c. An infraction of the nomination or election process should have been brought to the attention of the nominating committee chairman, and the committee asked to recommend what action should be taken. Although RONR does not specifically address this, it does, in many ways, express the idea that a committee (any committee, not just the nominating committee) should handle all the work and issues under its assigned tasks without the interference of other members. Likewise, it provides that all committee reports should be given by the committee’s chairman or designee. “A report of a board or committee to an assembly is presented at the proper time by a ‘reporting member’ of the board or committee… . In the case of a committee, the committee chairman is the reporting member unless – because he does not agree with the report or for any other reason – he does not wish to give it, in which event the committee chooses another one of its members.” RONR, p. 506. In this case, if the parliamentarian noticed an irregularity in the nomination or election procedure that potentially disqualified a candidate, or if another member noticed the problem and brought it to the attention of the parliamentarian, the parliamentarian’s proper role would be to advise the presiding officer. If the procedural issue was complex, the presiding officer could ask the parliamentarian to explain the situation to the assembly. But only the presiding officer could rule as to whether the violation was disqualifying for the candidate. Regardless of the ruling, any member could have appealed unless there could not “possibly be two reasonable opinions.” RONR, p. 256. These basic rules could be varied only by the bylaws, and that is not the case in this organization. www.parliamentarians.org
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Questions Answers
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continued
Question 70: I serve as a student advisory member of a library board that has adopted Robert’s Rules. I would like to know whether regular members of the board must exhaust their rights to speak in debate before advisory members are entitled to be recognized to speak or request information. Some regular members are telling us that. Answer: If the library board bylaws formally establish multiple classes of membership to include “advisory” and “regular” members, then both classes are considered “members” as far as Robert is concerned. RONR, p. 591. Unless the organization’s bylaws distinguish the rights of an advisory member from the rights of a regular member, then both classes of membership are entitled to all the rights of membership, which (under RONR) include the right to attend meetings, to make motions, to speak in debate, and to vote. RONR, pp. 3, 264. If that is the case, then an advisory member’s rights are the same as those of a regular member. The Inquirer, as an advisory member, may seek recognition to speak at any time that it is in order during consideration of any motion. It is not uncommon, however, to find some limitations on membership rights where bylaw-defined classes of members exist. For example, the library board’s bylaws might provide that “only regular members shall have the right to vote.” Any limitation on the rights of various bylaw-defined classes of members must be stated in the bylaws. RONR, pp. 14, 571. Limitation of one right (e.g., the right to vote) does not imply limitation of any other right that is not so restricted (e.g., the right to debate). In summary, if the bylaws make a provision for advisory membership, then (unless the bylaws restrict in some manner the advisory member’s rights in debate) advisory members are on equal footing with the regular members when it comes to speaking in debate and requesting information. Questions & Answers Research Team
Michael Malamut, PRP, Q&A Research Editor
C. Alan Jennings, PRP, Assistant Q&A Research Editor
James H. Stewart, PRP, NAP Parliamentarian
Advisor: John Stackpole, RP 40 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
Helen McFadden, PRP, Parliamentary Consultant
NAP Business Accessories In addition to the many excellent parliamentary resources and tools, NAP offers accessories that allow you to display your pride as a parliamentarian and a member of NAP. NAP 7-Ring Binder The perfect size for your copy of RONR or RONR in Brief; zippered, 8.5 in x 10.5 in Binder only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 ($45 nonmember) With RONR 11th edition & tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69 ($75 nonmember) With RONR In Brief 2nd edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47 ($54 nonmember)
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Insulated Travel Mug
Business Bag/Organizer
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NAP Connections
Texas State Association of Parliamentarians Parliamentary Institute
Members of the Alamo Registered Parliamentarians Unit, and members of the National Association of Parliamentarians Educational Foundation, sponsored a Parliamentary Institute of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians Mid-Winter Board of Directors Meeting on January 26, 2019. The institute, titled “Organizations’ Leaders and Parliamentarians Celebrate: Use, Interpretation and Communication of Rules, Documents, Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures,” drew 40 attendees from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. The presenters included Ron Stinson, PRP; Carl Silverman, PRP; Alison Wallis, JD, PRP; Nancy Sylvester, PRP; Sandy Olson, PRP; Lynna Gene Cook, PRP; and Ann Guiberson, PRP. Stinson, who is president of the Alamo Registered Parliamentarians Unit, opened the meeting. Olson, who is president of the Educational Foundation served as master of ceremonies. The workshop topics were: Statutes/Articles of Incorporation/ Charter, What Parliamentarians and Organization Leaders Need to Know About the Intersection of Parliamentary Procedure and the Law; Bylaws – What Clients Have Taught Us About Bylaws; Bylaws Cases; Special Rules of Order and Rules of Order; Standing Rules/Policies and Procedures, The Difference. Throughout the day, the presenters quizzed the assembly and drew valuable discussion. The assembly was honored to have in attendance NAP President James Jones. A bookstore was open to provide attendees an opportunity to support the Alamo Registered Parliamentarians Unit and the NAPEF with the purchase of NAP items and written materials. 42 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
NAP Connections
NEW REGISTERED PARLIAMENTARIANS* NP congratulates the following individuals on becoming Registered Parliamentarians: Yun Li (PR) Wanda Berry Joseph (NY) Tiana Morrison (NY) Taniqua Hunter (NY) Jacqueline W. Roundtree (VA)
Tracy Fiers (TX) Joy R. Foster (NY) Dawn M. Baskerville (NY) Curtis D. Whitman (CO) Carole Brinkley (NY) Beryl J. Miles (NY)
Ayesha L. Johnson (NY) Brenda Picola Kennedy (TX) Lawrence David Taylor (OR) Allison I. David (NY) Sandra Cook (NC)
New Professional Registered Parliamentarians* NP congratulates the following individuals for attaining the status of Professional Registered Parliamentarian: Vivian Walton-Smalls (NY) Diana Duncan (NY) Bernadine A. CallenderJames (NY) Jeannine Hunte (NY)
Shirley Irick Taylor (NY) Carol Schilansky (NY) Thomas Havelka (NE) Derrick D. Taylor (NY) Denisha S. McPherson (NY)
Felicia Malone (NY) Derrick Isaac (NY) Junita Carn (NY) Robert Robinson (NY)
Silent Gavel* NP commemorates members who have passed from our midst; may they rest in peace: Barbara Braswell (MD) Henry M. Robert (MD)
Patricia Petre Surber (MO) Gloette Hess (CO)
Irene O’Connor Navarre (NM)
* For the period December 25, 2018 thru March 20, 2019
Answer Key
Test Yourself
Vocabulary Builder
Yes or No?
from page 33
from page 34
1. Stating 2. Legal 3. Chairperson 4. Audit 5. Division 6. Called 7. Raise, Privilege 8. Previous 9. Order 10. Member
If you correctly answered each question and found the proper word for each in the text of RONR, here is the parliamentary message you would have written: We • hope • you • plan • to • register • for • the • biennial • national • convention If you happen to have answered each and very question incorrectly, here is the message you would have found! Close, • but • please • go • back • and • double • check • all • your • answers www.parliamentarians.org
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NAP Connections
New Members* NP welcomes the following individuals as new members: Royal Anderson (GA) Robert Armagost (CO) Mamie Bailey (DE) Marvin Bailey (DE) Christy Ball (CO) Brian Barton (OK) Veletta Bell (IL) Yolande Berta (GA) Caroline Best (FL) Natasha Birt (GA) Dorothy Blake (NV) Cathy Blakeney (GA) Gloria Booz (GA) Morgan Brent (LA) Paul Chasse (NEAP) Annie Class (FL) T. Elzora Cleveland (NY) Cassandra Conover (VA) Fenobia Dallas (MI) Paulette Davis (PA) Uolanda Davis (MI) Charmaine Davis-Bey (OH) Charlie Dean (OK) Mark Desrosiers (NEAP) Bryan Dodson (CA) Tracey Drabyk-Zirk (MB) Beatrice Dubois (NY) Kathryn Ebert (WA) Glenda Elie (NY) Hector Falu (PR) Debra Feagins (GA) Brandon Foster-Bagley (NY) Tisha Gieser (WA) Susan Glen (OR) Diane Halvorson (NM) Valerie Harris (MD) Jean Hart (VA) Thomas Hirsbrunner (HI) Denise Hoskin Snelling (IL) Karen Hunt (OH)
Kimberly Jackson (IL) Tahara James (TX) Brenda Jessel (GA) Jeffrey Joseph (NY) Tiffany Justice (OH) Viola Kelly (NM) Stephanie Keys (IL) Marleea Lagimodiere (AZ) Raymond Lallo (CO) Eric Law (AB) Frances Lennix (IL) Jeremy Likens (OR) Fontella Long (IL) Kristen Louie (AB) Ligang Ma (CHINA) Marque Malan (VA) Leigh Martin (NEAP) Dorothy McClendon (MO) Laura McPhee (AB) Jada Medina (KY) Arianna Miller (DC) Dominique Miller (NY) Rebecca Miller (NM) Michael Mullins (TN) Charity Munoz (CO) Chaney New (KY) Kim Newby (MI) Kimberly Newsome (GA) Rhonda Norman (OH) Robert North (ON) Alvin Nurse (WA) Shelia Patterson (TX) Cheryl Perez (CA) Diana Perkinson (KY) John Piland (FL) Lisa Plachta (MN) David Reeves (AB) Jagger Rice (KY) Kenya Richardson-El (NY) Lorinda Riley (HI)
Crystal Rock (LA) Chalon Rogers (CA) David Rumsey (BC) Frankie Sampson (NY) Edy Schlosser (AZ) Victoria Schmidt (AB) Mark Schwarzbauer (WI) Sophie Sims (CO) Dawn Stewart (NY) Jian Qun Tang (CHINA) Olive Taylor (NY) Miriam Thomas (TX) Rebecca Thomas (TN) Manuel Torres (PR) Rachel Tussey (AK) Nicole van Woudenberg (ON) Stephen Vincent (AB) Margaret Walker (IL) Mary Wiggins (NJ) Toya Williams (AR) Madyson Young (KY) Lin Zhang (CHINA) Wenmao Zhang (CHINA) Siyang Zheng (AB) Yuting Zhou (CHINA) Thank you instructors! A special thank you to the instructors of the aforementioned new members: Reba R. Hollingsworth C.J. Cavin, PRP Carol Davis, PRP Denise Perry, RP Frances Jackson, PRP Kay Crews, PRP Deborah Underwood Patrick Knoll, PRP Eleanor Siewert, PRP Fashika Willis, PRP Lori Lukinuk, PRP
* For the period December 25, 2018 thru March 20, 2019 44 National Parliamentarian • Spring 2019
NAPEF Invites You to a Dinner Cruise on Lake Mead Thursday, September 5, 2019
Enjoy cooler temperatures and smooth sailing on Lake Mead.
Schedule
Take in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying a delicious dinner aboard the Dessert Princess, a 3-level paddle wheeler. You can stay on the two enclosed decks where it’s cool or take in the cool, clean air on the open promenade deck. Dinner includes your choice of beef, chicken, seafood, or pasta entrees and a lovely seasonal dessert.
5:50 p.m. Arrive at the Desert Princess
4:30 p.m. Depart the Westgate
6:15 p.m. Board the Desert Princess 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Cruise 8:30 p.m. Depart for the Westgate 9:45 p.m. Arrive at the hotel
MAKE RESERVATIONS when you register for the NAP Biennial Convention Early Bird Rate (by 8/4/2019) = $150 Regular Rate (after 8/4/2019) = $175 Includes a $65 contribution to help NAPEF fund parliamentary education grants NO REFUNDS www.parliamentarians.org
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