Who can speak at a Board Meeting

[Guest Marta]

Can a member of a club go to a board meeting of that club and give their opinions on agenda items?  It is not covered in our by-laws and in the past we were told if you don't ask to be on the agenda for a particular topic you can still attend but must remain silent.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

No, you cannot attend, and you cannot speak. -- Unless permission is granted by the board.

 

A meeting is always a members-only case.

The members of the board (or whatever body is meeting) may grant permission, or may have already an "open door" policy.

But its their policy, and subject to change at any time.

[Richard Brown]

Well, MANY organizations have a policy, either by custom or formally enshrined in their bylaws or special rules, that allow members to attend board meetings.   And some do it by special permission with said permission routinely being granted.

 

It's been my experience that with most of the organizations I have belonged to over the years, regular members of the organization are welcome to sit in on board meetings and even to address the board.

 

Your mileage may vary.  :-)

 

RONR used to say that board meetings are usually conducted in executive session, but it no longer says that.  I believe that change was made in the current 11th edition.

 

Edited to add:  In fact, there seems to be a definite paradigm shift in the 11th edition of RONR re open vs closed meetings.  The 11th edition has added the following language to page 95 re executive sessions:

"A meeting enters into executive session only when required by rule or established custom, or upon the adoption of a motion to do so. A motion to go into executive session is a question of privilege (19), and therefore is adopted by a majority vote."

[Edgar Guest]

Edited to add:  In fact, there seems to be a definite paradigm shift in the 11th edition of RONR re open vs closed meetings.  The 11th edition has added the following language to page 95 re executive sessions:

"A meeting enters into executive session only when required by rule or established custom, or upon the adoption of a motion to do so. A motion to go into executive session is a question of privilege (19), and therefore is adopted by a majority vote."

 

But let's not confuse so-called "closed meetings" with meetings (or portions thereof) held in executive session. The two are not necessarily the same.

[Guest ABCDave]

But let's not confuse so-called "closed meetings" with meetings (or portions thereof) held in executive session. The two are not necessarily the same.

I would like to request a clarification

My organization has had a great deal of discussion about whether our board meetings should be "open" (to the general membership) or "closed" - which we understood to mean held in executive session.  What's the difference between "closed" and "executive session"?

[Richard Brown]

I would like to request a clarification

My organization has had a great deal of discussion about whether our board meetings should be "open" (to the general membership) or "closed" - which we understood to mean held in executive session.  What's the difference between "closed" and "executive session"?

 

This was discussed in a very recent thread.  If I find it, I'll post a link to it unless someone else does it first.

 

There technically is (or can be) a difference.  Although the terms are often used interchangeably, technically an executive session is conducted in secret and only members may attend without special permission.  Members and guests who attend an executive session are bound by secrecy and cannot discuss what took place with others.   A "closed meeting", technically, could mean just that the meeting is open only to members and that non-members may not attend without permission, but the proceedings are not in secret and may be discussed openly by the participants after the meeting.

 

Edited to add:  Here is a link to one of the recent threads where the distinction between a "closed meeting" and a meeting held in "executive session" is discussed:  http://robertsrules.forumflash.com/index.php?/topic/23211-closed-meeting/

[Guest ABCDave]

Thank you!

I can see why we had a little confusion - but clearly we do want our "closed" meetings to be held in executive session.  

Thanks again 

[jstackpo]

To hold your meetings in Executive (Secret) Session does (usually) require a motion:  p. 95

[Guest Deanna]

Should a manager be allowed to sit on a executive board meeting where we are voting and discussing private matters?

[Edgar Guest]

Should a manager be allowed to sit on a executive board meeting where we are voting and discussing private matters?

 

Assuming the manager isn't a board member, it's entirely up to the board whether or not to permit him to attend (as a guest).

 

And, for future reference, this forum works best if you'll post your new question as a new topic (even if you find an existing topic that's similar). In other words, think of this as Marta's topic.

[Guest Deanna]

Thank You

 

Also, Can the board override the president in the case of allowing the manager to sit into the meeting?

[Edgar Guest]

Also, Can the board override the president in the case of allowing the manager to sit into the meeting?

 

The president has only one vote.

[Gary Novosielski]

Thank You

 

Also, Can the board override the president in the case of allowing the manager to sit into the meeting?

 

And just to reiterate, this forum works best if you post your questions as a NEW TOPIC.