Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters
Testimonials
Hansel C. Hall, DTM, Immediate Past President
The Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters club has been central in giving me confidence with the processing of motins and the formal challenging of the decisions of the chair. Few Toastmasters clubs can do this with fun and precision.
Diane Gorder, Club Secretary
I visited Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters (Parly Pro) last spring at the suggestion of a member of the club, Ginny Altman. Ginny knew that I was interested in learning more about parliamentary procedures and in getting first hand experience running meetings. I joined after the first visit because I could readily see the benefits the club provided. The members provide an encouraging, congenial, and safe learning environment for the novice, such as myself. I have found that the best tool for really learning parliamentary principles and procedures is to experience using them first hand and this is what Parly Pro Toastmasters provides. Since joining the club, I feel I’m able to provide better leadership in the community groups and nonprofits in which I’m involved.
Dick Brandt, ATM
Prior to joining Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters, when I was at a meetings where parliamentary procedure was used, I felt like a pawn at the meeting, at the mercy of those who had that knowledge. I felt that I was not likely to have an effect on decisions, and I felt helpless and unsure of myself. Meetings were guided by those in charge.
As a charter member of the Parliamentary Procedure Toastmaster Club, I learned a great deal - and had a lot of fun in the process. With my newfound knowledge and my practice working with “Robert’s Rules,” I found that in meetings at church or in my bowling league, I could help assure that the majority of members were able to make decisions, while those in the minority had a chance to be heard and a chance to express their views. Learning that calling the question doesn’t guarantee a vote, it does stop the debate if two thirds of the assemble wants to debate stopped. . I also learned that I could move a meeting forward without asking for a motion, a second, and a vote, by using the phrase: “If there is no objection …………” being sure to allow those present to object, and being ready to go the more formal route as needed. This Toastmaster Club can help one have the knowledge and the confidence to participate and to lead a business meeting. Like all Toastmaster Clubs, we learn by doing - and we learn in an atmosphere of enjoyment.
Medard Kaisershot, DTM, Club Sergeant At Arms
Toastmasters is exciting for me; it is about learning to speak in front of an audience and to do so effectively. The members are friendly and supportive resulting in a great learning environment. We are there to learn to speak but we have fun doing so. The other benefits are learning to listen and learning to think on your feet when giving response to impromptu questions. I like the educational materials that we work from as we progress in our membership. As members, we also receive a great monthly magazine that is full of ideas to improve our communication skills. Try Toastmasters, you'll be glad you did.
Michael Orr, ACS, District 6 Parliamentarian
One of the most beneficial, fastest ways of learning and experiencing Robert's Rules of Order in a nonthreatening, fun, friendly environment is via membership in the Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters club. Presentations always come from the practical, varied experience of members sharing their perspective. Also there's the "Table Topics" session, the meeting's "best value," where a member (as they've progressed) is presented a real-life or exaggerated scenario based upon that meeting's educational theme and then asked to chair (with the aid of a parliamentarian) while the group works to present ways in which the chair could be challenged or waylaid. I'd recommend this club to anyone looking to become a better chair, officer, or member of a group or organization, as well as anyone needing a better understanding of constitutions, bylaws, or standing rules.
Theo W. Black, DTM, Toastmasters Board of Directors
I joined Paliamentary Procedure Toastmasters to refine my skills as as a district leader and organizational chair. I knew some of the basics, but now have a better understanding and appreciation of some of the nuances that can intimidate. I am a better leader as a result of my membership in Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters.
In Toastmasters we practice communication and leadership. In Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters we also practice running an effective business meeting. Our meetings open with a half hour business meeting in which we conduct club business and practice some of the formalities of moving a motion forward in an assembly. During the course of our meetings, we practice specific skills in our unique table topics sessions. Laughter is a key component of our meetings as we learn with each other. I personally benefit every session from the wisdom and skills of the many Parliamentary mentors, registered Parliamentarians who also believe in learning through participation.
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The Basics
Steps to Handling a Main Motion
Have you ever watched in wonder as a business was conducted in an organization to which you belong? Most of us have heard someone make a motion and someone else second the motion. There is an important next step - debate of the motion. For your reference, Here are the steps involved in handling a 'main' motion.
- A member is recognized and makes the motion.
- Another member, without recognition, seconds the motion.
- The chair formally places the motion before the group by restating the motion.
- The members debate the motion.
- The chair then puts the motion to a vote.
- The chair announces the result of the vote.
About our Club
The members of Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters include current and past leaders of District 6 Toastmasters. Several of our members are Registered Parliamentarians.
Our club meetings offer a unique opportunity to role play various situations that occur during business meetings. With each meeting, we become more proficient in using parliamentary procedure.
Come visit us and join in the fun as we learn together. Finally, our table topics explore challenging parliamentary situations. Come join in the laughter and camaraderie as we challenge each other to lead effectively.
Guests are welcome. We provide a complimentary continental breakfast.Contact Us
Club President: Hansel Hall
Phone: 612.332.268
VP Membership: Mike Orr
Phone: 612.332.268
