President’s Message One for the History Books

One for the History Books

The French poet, Victor Hugo, once stated, “What is history? An echo of the past in the future; a reflex from the future on the past.” The NAP Virtual Training Conference 2020 can now be referred to in the past tense, and is a part of NAP history.

The annals of time will record the efforts put forth by the staff, committees, partners, and volunteers to make the virtual conference a successful event. Before we turn the page, let us take a brief trip down memory lane to acknowledge, appreciate, and reflect.

Some day in the future we may look back upon the event and wonder why such a big deal was made before proceeding to host a virtual event. The board of directors decided to move the training conference from San Antonio, Texas, to an event that had no borders or limitations of time and space. The thorough research of the Organizational Effectiveness Committee and headquarters staff presented options that confirmed the possibility of a virtual conference. The Communications Committee and headquarters staff helped to get the word out.

The Professional Development Committee, Leadership Conference coordinators, and Webinar and Meeting Support Committee leaped into action to provide an alternate experience for those members who would be participating in events occurring before the official start of the training conference. The baton was passed to the NTC coordinators and workshop coordinators to usher in the meetings, plenary sessions, and workshops. The handoff was picture perfect.

One of the highlights of the training conference was the plenary session that perhaps only a parliamentarian would love: the retirement of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition. Mr. Martyn Redgrave, president of the Robert’s Rules Association, conducted the retirement of the 11th edition and the release of the new edition. Mr. Redgrave is a direct lineal descendant of General Henry M. Robert, the original author of Robert’s Rules. NAP has enjoyed a long relationship with the Robert’s Rules Association, and was given the privilege of being among the first to receive copies of the new edition before it was released to the public.

Other highlights of the training conference included the authorship team’s presentation, with NAP members following along, of the significant changes between the 11th and 12th editions; quality parliamentary workshops; and game night, playing Lotería.

The weekend ended with the Professional Standards Committee’s review of the newly adopted Code of Professional Responsibility for Parliamentarians, which was jointly prepared by the American Institute of Parliamentarians™ and the National Association of Parliamentarians®. The coordinators of the 2021 National Biennial Convention (Atlanta, Georgia) and the coordinators of the 2022 NAP Training Conference (Albuquerque, New Mexico) invited members to attend those events.

None of this would have been possible without the support of committees, teams, and individuals working together for a successful training conference. A statement by Phil Jackson, legendary former NBA player and coach, accurately sums it up. “The strength of the team lies within the individual. And the strength of the individual lies within the team.” We have history from the past to fuel the momentum to produce successful events and activities for the future.

Be Safe, Darlene T. Allen, PRP 2019–2021 NAP President

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