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New Edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Released

What does this mean for your organization (whether you use Robert’s or not)?

On Friday August 28, the 12th edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised was released (a new edition is issued about every 10 years). If your bylaws say that you use Robert’s Rules then you have automatically switched to the new edition.

While this update may not be revolutionary, there are some important changes being made. So what does this mean for your organization?

Well, that goes back to the purpose of Rules of Order. They are meant to make meetings run more smoothly and more efficiently. (If that surprises you, we really need to talk.) But that only works if your group agrees to one set of rules and understands them. In fact, that's exactly why Henry Robert wrote his first Rules of Order 144 years ago: because people were using a variety of different rules and getting into unnecessary arguments about them. 

If you are arguing about the process or rules,

you are taking time away from the important issues

So, if you use Robert’s Rules then it is important that you are up-to-date with what the current version says, because that is the set of rules you’ve agreed to use.

I would be happy to review the changes with you and their effect on your organization.

But even if you use something other than Robert’s (such as Bourinot’s, Nathan’s, Kerr & King, or your own rules), the release of the 12th edition is a great opportunity for your board and your entire membership to brush up on your rules of order, clear up misconceptions, and all agree on a common set of ground rules for how you are going to discuss topics and make your decisions.

Fortunately, that does not require a large investment of time. And by doing so you will almost certainly save much more time by having better meetings.

This is also the right time to review your procedures and your governing documents to ensure that they align with each other and update them as necessary. 

This review and update exercise is most easily and efficiently done with expert advice. As a professional parliamentarian, I am an expert in meeting management, procedures, and governing documents. Please contact me so that, together, we can get you to have Better Meetings.

Atul Kapur, MD, MSc, CPP, PRP
atul@bettermeetings.ca
613-301-9110
Certified Professional Parliamentarian
Professional Registered Parliamentarian