April's blog explains how to make decisions by unanimous consent - without a vote or even a motion. What does the chair say in doing it? Is it as 'official'? How is it recorded in the minutes? What about pushback from members? #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/makin...
My March blog, 1st published in the National Parliamentarian, re-written for anyone who helps run meetings (clerks/secretaries/chairs/in-house procedural advisors) & ordinary members tired of procedural wrangling at meetings. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/parli...
In this month's blog, I explore the use of the gavel: does the chair of a meeting need one, is there a proper way to use it, what does it mean when you hear it being used, and why can't some chairs resist banging it? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/so-wh...
Roy Orbison was certain that it was The End in his classic 1964 song 'It's Over'. When it comes to meetings, however, it's not always over when we think it is. My January blog post.
#robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
Call your senators and ask specific questions that put them in the position of either working to slow the machine, or lie to you. They need to lead or get out of the freaking way.
#ParliamentaryProcedure #SenateRules
#SenstorsDoYourJob
youtube.com/watch?v=UoR8...
My final blog post of 2025: a completely expanded and more comprehensive article (than the 2022 original) on how to prepare, approve and amend an agenda using #RobertsRulesOfOrder. #robertsrules #governance #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/prepa...
My November blog post: what's a resolution, is it different from a motion, and how many 'whereas' clauses are permitted in the preamble? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/resol...
Some secretaries of organizations take offence when members propose corrections to the minutes. Get over it - the minutes of a meeting belong to the members, not the secretary. My October blog post. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/the-s...
2/5 Radhakrishnan stressed dignity, discipline & decorum are 🔑 for the Upper House. Dialogue, debate & discussion are vital tenets of 🇮🇳 democracy! 🗣️ He highlighted Zero Hour, Question Hour as crucial tools. #ParliamentaryProcedure #Democracy
It's September, and time to return to writing my monthly blog posts on parliamentary procedure. Here is this month's contribution: if you want to challenge the results of a vote on a motion, you have to act quickly! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrules
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/chall...
A lively discussion on parliamentary procedures sparked at the Lakeville Town Meeting, emphasizing the weight of governance in shaping community decisions.
Click to read more!
#MA #LakevilleGovernance #CitizenPortal #ParliamentaryProcedure #CommunityEngagement
In Parliament, epistemic gatekeeping decides what evidence gets through — and what never sees daylight.
Conflicts of interest make that gate even narrower.
pkahl.substack.com/p/when-the-g...
#EpistemicGatekeeping #UKPolitics #ParliamentaryProcedure #ConflictOfInterest
3/ ... can be tracked down, arrested, and forcibly returned - IF they are within the legislative body's jurisdiction. If they are physically outside the state, as in Texas, not much can be done to compel their return. #RobertsRules #ParliamentaryProcedure #Governance #Texas
A mid-Summer post from the past: what is a question of privilege? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/raisi...
6/8 House rules required Kurek to wait 30 days after his election was posted in the Canada Gazette before he could actually step down. This procedural requirement explains the timing of the resignation and byelection call.
#HouseRules #ParliamentaryProcedure
Yes, hostile amendments are allowed, just like hostile debate! A companion piece to last year's post on friendly amendments. Taking a break for Summer; back in September. My website, however, is on duty 24/7 - check it out. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
5/12 MPs must also select an Official Opposition leader, as Poilievre cannot serve in this role without a seat in Parliament. A Conservative source indicated this vote might not occur during Tuesday's gathering.
#CDNpoli #OfficialOpposition #ParliamentaryProcedure
Let’s see how well crowdsourcing works here: I’m looking for info on how to use parliamentary procedure to advance social justice, especially in places where it has traditionally been used to exclude and silence people from marginalized groups #socialjustice #governance #parliamentaryprocedure
Use your #hashtags, so #information spreads #️⃣ by topic
#Canada 🍁 #CDNpoli 🍁 #Civics
#HouseOfCommons #procedure
#Robert’sRules 🍁 #ParliamentaryProcedure
#ParliamentarySystem 🍁
#CanadaIsNotARepublic 🇨🇦
My latest blog post on how the chair of a meeting, by using his or her 'soft power', can speed things up. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives was re-elected on the first ballot during a rollcall after two members changed their votes. What does #RobertsRulesOfOrder say about changing votes in meetings of your organization?
#Governance #ParliamentaryProcedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/can-y...
I get questions about nominations - here are some answers! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings #schoolboards #municipalities #unions #elections
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Sometimes, secret meetings are necessary. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confi...
Every organization should have a conflict of interest policy so members know what to do when their personal interests conflict with those of the organization. #parliamentaryprocedure #conflictofinterest #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #unions
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confl...
You don't need to include 'business arising from the minutes' on your meeting agendas. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/dont-...
Answers to common questions about quorum. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Why do people get so obsessed with close or tied votes?
#governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #voting
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/legit...
Secret ballots can be used for votes on motions, not just in elections. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/secre...
A great book arguing that a shared knowledge of parliamentary procedure helped to moderate the California gold rush. #governance #history #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #california
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/did-p...
Moving to censure someone may not always be a good idea. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/what-...
