The Parliamentarian Booth

Pat Knoll, RP

It is not uncommon for a parliamentarian to be informed that strife, difficulty, and significant division is anticipated for a rapidly approaching meeting . Indeed, parliamentarians are often hired for that very reason . Serious trouble is brewing, and the president and board have finally come to the realization that expert advice is needed to de-escalate and defuse the impending explosion .

But what is the likely reaction of members of the assembly, who are bitterly in opposition to board actions or proposals, when it is brought to their attention that a procedural expert has been hired by the perceived enemy? A not uncommon reaction tends to be that “the fix is in” for the board, that the parliamentarian will be in the board’s pocket, and that legitimate concerns of members in opposition will be ignored, finessed away, or somehow buried . In short, the hired parliamentarian will be in the board’s pay and therefore in the board’s camp .

One option to consider in circumstances such as these is for the president to offer that the hired parliamentarian will be available to answer members’ procedural questions1 immediately prior to the meeting . The minimum set-up required to address this offer is a small table and chairs, close by, but just beyond hearing distance from the meeting registration desk . A sign inviting members to stop in for a discussion on the meeting’s procedural questions serves to complete these arrangements . Advance notice can be sent out with the notice of meeting that this accommodation for the members will be available for approximately one hour before the meeting .

1 RONR (12th ed.) 47:46 (…parliamentarian …., advises the president …. officers …. and members….)

Member questions can range from the simplest to those of considerable complexity—typically they concern basic procedure or particulars related to the required language needed for various motions . However, the subject range is invariably unlimited .

The experience of this writer has been very positive respecting such a service . 2 When hostile or upset members are informed that they will have reasonable access to the parliamentarian, perceptions considerably lessen that a “full end run” by the board is underway . It serves to create a more level playing field and the sense that a fair and unbiased process will apply for all concerned . In addition, members who had planned to orchestrate a procedural horror show at the meeting may tend to be far less inclined to do so if the retained (unbiased) parliamentarian is made available . Taking on the board in a procedural contest is one thing but attempting to match expertise with a trained procedural expert is a far different engagement .

One caveat respecting this service is important to emphasize . Members dropping in for discussion with the parliamentarian must be advised at the outset that, although the parliamentarian is available to answer various questions posed, no part or aspect of the discussion will be treated as confidential . Parliamentarians must not place themselves in a position where planned member actions are discussed that they are in any respect unable to fully communicate to the meeting chair . NP