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Special Rule of Order Use?


Guest Curious

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Let me rephrase...

Can it be used for something like, if a board wanted to ban attendees from transcribing a meeting (like writing down what was said by who), or from speaking about what was said by specific persons or what happened at a meeting?

(I'm talking about rules regarding attendees here, not board members)

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Let me rephrase...

 

May I suggest you become a member of this humble forum? No salesman will call and you'll enjoy some modest benefits. Such as the ability to edit your posts before anyone replies. (Actually, you can also edit posts after someone replies but that's considered bad form.) You can also delete duplicate posts (of which you've had a few).

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In answer to the OP's questions, I'd say yes, you can use special rules of order to ban attendees from transcribing a meeting, etc.

 

How would you ban non-members from from "speaking about what was said by specific persons or what happened at a meeting?"

 

Make them sign a confidentiality agreement upon entering the meeting?

 

Best not to invite them at all.

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What kinds of things can a special rule of order be created for?

Lots of things.

Let me rephrase...

Can it be used for something like, if a board wanted to ban attendees from transcribing a meeting (like writing down what was said by who), or from speaking about what was said by specific persons or what happened at a meeting?

(I'm talking about rules regarding attendees here, not board members)

I think a standing rule would be sufficient for this purpose.

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Let me rephrase...

Can it be used for something like, if a board wanted to ban attendees from transcribing a meeting (like writing down what was said by who), or from speaking about what was said by specific persons or what happened at a meeting?

(I'm talking about rules regarding attendees here, not board members)

 

Going into executive session would accomplish this as well, as those present who are not members are honor bound not to reveal what happened in the meeting and the members are subject to discipline if they violate the secrecy.  A special rule of order that all meetings will be held in executive session should do the trick as well.

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What kinds of things can a special rule of order be created for?

 

Let me rephrase...

Can it be used for something like, if a board wanted to ban attendees from transcribing a meeting (like writing down what was said by who), or from speaking about what was said by specific persons or what happened at a meeting?

(I'm talking about rules regarding attendees here, not board members)

 

I think a standing rule would be sufficient for this purpose.

You can also hold your board meetings in executive session, which imposes confidentiality not only on the members present, but any guests (non members of the board) who are present.  You could adopt a special rule of order that all board meetings are to be held in executive session or the board can do it on a case by case basis.  However, guests might have to be reminded at meetings that everything said and done is confidential and they cannot share it with others.

 

If you simply want to restrict recording or transcribing meetings, as Josh said, a special rule of order or perhaps a standing rule could cover that nicely.

 

Keep in mind that special rules of order, just like the rules in RONR, can be suspended by a two-thirds vote.  Standing rules can be suspended by a majority vote.  It is also easier to amend or rescind a standing rule than a special rule of order.

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But in open session when there is no expectation of privacy or secrecy, can attendees who are not board members talk to whoever, repeat what was said, and 'report' on what happened in open session board meetings?

Especially considering there may be many members who are elderly, bedridden, disabled, etc, who cannot attend meetings?

Especially if nothing in the bylaws prohibits it?

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But in open session when there is no expectation of privacy or secrecy, can attendees who are not board members talk to whoever, repeat what was said, and 'report' on what happened in open session board meetings?

Especially considering there may be many members who are elderly, bedridden, disabled, etc, who cannot attend meetings?

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But in open session when there is no expectation of privacy or secrecy, can attendees who are not board members talk to whoever, repeat what was said, and 'report' on what happened in open session board meetings?

Especially considering there may be many members who are elderly, bedridden, disabled, etc, who cannot attend meetings?

Especially if nothing in the bylaws prohibits it?

 

Yes, yes, and yes.  That's why I recommended executive session.

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But in open session when there is no expectation of privacy or secrecy, can attendees who are not board members talk to whoever, repeat what was said, and 'report' on what happened in open session board meetings?

Especially considering there may be many members who are elderly, bedridden, disabled, etc, who cannot attend meetings?

Especially if nothing in the bylaws prohibits it?

If no motion has been adopted prohibiting it, sure.

I concur with Mr. Mervosh that if the board really wants confidentiality, entering executive session is the best course of action.

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