Non Members at general Meeting

[Guest Terry]

We would like to hold a general meeting where we can invite non members.  Is there somewhere in RROO where it is possible?

Thanks!

[Benjamin Geiger]

I don't believe there's anything that would prohibit nonmembers from attending meetings. Having them participate, however, might require adoption of special rules of order (2/3 vote of members) or bylaws provisions, etc.

RONR p. 96f addresses it more thoroughly, with additional sections under "nonmembers" in the index.

[Richard Brown]

Unless prohibited by your bylaws, you can absolutely invite non-members to attend your meetings. They can also be given permission to speak by a majority vote, but it requires a two-thirds vote to allow them to participate in debate. They cannot vote under any circumstances.

Often a request to allow them to speak is handled by the chairman by unanimous consent if there is no objection.

[Bruce Lages]

3 hours ago, Benjamin Geiger said:

I don't believe there's anything that would prohibit nonmembers from attending meetings.

To be more precise, there is nothing that prevents the assembly from inviting non-members to attend the meeting. Non-members have no inherent right to attend meetings - their attendance is solely dependent on the decision of the membership.

[Benjamin Geiger]

35 minutes ago, Bruce Lages said:

To be more precise, there is nothing that prevents the assembly from inviting non-members to attend the meeting. Non-members have no inherent right to attend meetings - their attendance is solely dependent on the decision of the membership.

A fair point well made. I was probably including the implied "if the members permit it" that I didn't make explicit.