Neutrality of the Parliamentarian

[Guest Karen]

In a non-profit organization, is it proper that the appointed Parliamentarian refrain from making motions and refrain from voting, unless by ballot?

[Josh Martin]

27 minutes ago, Guest Karen said:

In a non-profit organization, is it proper that the appointed Parliamentarian refrain from making motions and refrain from voting, unless by ballot?

Yes.

"A member of an assembly who acts as its parliamentarian has the same duty as the presiding officer to maintain a position of impartiality, and therefore does not make motions, participate in debate, or vote on any question except in the case of a ballot vote. He does not cast a deciding vote, even if his vote would affect the result, since that would interfere with the chair's prerogative of doing so. If a member feels that he cannot properly forgo these rights in order to serve as parliamentarian, he should not accept that position. Unlike the presiding officer, the parliamentarian cannot temporarily relinquish his position in order to exercise such rights on a particular motion." (RONR, 11th ed., pg. 467)

[Guest guest]

so only agree to parliamentarian if you are willing to give away all your membership rights (except if you did not have them in the first place, like being parliamentarian to a committee as non-committee member)

[Josh Martin]

1 hour ago, Guest guest said:

so only agree to parliamentarian if you are willing to give away all your membership rights (except if you did not have them in the first place, like being parliamentarian to a committee as non-committee member)

I would phrase it as "agree not to exercise" the rights of membership (except to vote in a ballot vote) rather than to give them away, but essentially, yes. This is important to maintain the confidence of the chairman and the assembly in the parliamentarian's ability to provide impartial advice.

[Richard Brown]

Guest Karen, you might also note this language on page 254:  "Before rendering his decision, the chair can consult the parliamentarian, if there is one. The chair can also request the advice of experienced members, but no one has the right to express such opinions in the meeting unless requested to do so by the chair."   (Emphasis added).

So, the person currently serving as parliamentarian might consider resigning from the position, if possible, and serve in the completely unofficial capacity of an "experienced member" whom the chair can call on for advice.

Another option is to do as many organizations have done and adopt a special rule of order permitting a member parliamentarian to participate in meetings to the same extent as other members (or to whatever extent you want to permit).

[Atul Kapur]

Or hire a non-member professional parliamentarian.

[Weldon Merritt]

56 minutes ago, Richard Brown said:

Another option is to do as many organizations have done and adopt a special rule of order permitting a member parliamentarian to participate in meetings to the same extent as other members (or to whatever extent you want to permit).

I concur that an assembly may do this, but I question the wisdom of doing so. I think there are good reasons for the parliamentarian's neutrality, and a member who is not willing to abide by the RONR restricition should decline the appointment. If no member is willing to abide by the restrictions, the assembly should either hire a non-member parliamentarin or (if that is not feasible) rely on the president's ability to seek the advice of experienced members.