Virtual Deliberative Participation By Adrian Stratton, RP
Virtual group interactions are a relatively new convenience that have expanded the possibilities of connectivity. Never before has it been possible to simultaneously interact with groups of people in distant places with such ease. Disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations across the world to reconsider options of operating when gathering together in person is not a possibility. As society has maintained physical separation and social distance, utilization of available software to conduct business has increased. Virtual meetings for assemblies should be embraced, and governance must adapt for balance between the freedom of organizations and the fundamental principles of parliamentary law. For decades, parliamentary authorities have discussed the concept of electronic meetings and how rules of order apply. A virtual meeting takes place when one or more members participate in deliberations without face-to-face interaction with the other attendees. It has become typical for boards and committees to interact virtually. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition provides critical guidance on this inclusiveness of 4
National Parliamentarian • Summer 2020
assemblies, but rightfully leaves the decisions of how to each organization, based on their unique circumstance. Regarding active virtual deliberative participation, a clear distinction should be made between a regular meeting and an informal gathering used to update memberships. Gatherings where the expectation is that most members will act in a passive capacity would not apply to a virtual meeting concept where all members have equal rights. To fully understand the concept of virtual deliberative participation, required governance, and the impact to an assembly, presiding officers, parliamentarians, and members must recognize the unique ways in which virtual interactions can be held. Virtual participation can broadly be thought of in one of three ways: complete virtual participation, partial virtual participation, and mixed virtual participation. To illustrate each, consider an assembly of 23 members who wish to participate in a properly noticed regular meeting but are physically separated in multiple localities. The bylaws of the assembly authorize virtual regular meetings. Complete virtual participation: a gathering where all members join
