Allowing a mediator to attend with a specific officer

[Guest Bill]

Hello, We have a contentious situation between two board members. One of these board members said she would be having a mediator attend the meetings "to create a safe space for me". She is the secretary and of course takes our minutes. Is allowing someone outside our membership to attend board meetings allowed? Thank you.

[George Mervosh]

On 6/2/2023 at 1:19 PM, Guest Bill said:

Hello, We have a contentious situation between two board members. One of these board members said she would be having a mediator attend the meetings "to create a safe space for me". She is the secretary and of course takes our minutes. Is allowing someone outside our membership to attend board meetings allowed? Thank you.

It is up to the board itself to decide if this person may attend meetings.  

[Gary Novosielski]

On 6/2/2023 at 1:19 PM, Guest Bill said:

Hello, We have a contentious situation between two board members. One of these board members said she would be having a mediator attend the meetings "to create a safe space for me". She is the secretary and of course takes our minutes. Is allowing someone outside our membership to attend board meetings allowed? Thank you.

It is, with the permission of the board by majority vote.  No one person alone may demand that someone attend with her.

Additionally, if a non-member is allowed to attend, they have no right to speak or interrupt, so it's not clear how this person would be able to "create" anything, as they are not allowed to interfere in any way.

Edited June 2, 2023 at 05:41 PM by Gary Novosielski

[Guest Bill]

Thank you very much.

[Guest Bill]

Our secretary has informed the board that she will be bringing the mediator anyway ignoring the need to vote as a board. Is there any kind of action we can take against this board member?

[J. J.]

On 6/2/2023 at 3:31 PM, Guest Bill said:

Our secretary has informed the board that she will be bringing the mediator anyway ignoring the need to vote as a board. Is there any kind of action we can take against this board member?

The majority may order him removed from the room by majority vote (61:7).

Edited June 2, 2023 at 08:21 PM by J. J.

[Guest Bill]

Thank you. So there's no action warranted against the secretary?

[Josh Martin]

On 6/2/2023 at 3:30 PM, Guest Bill said:

Thank you. So there's no action warranted against the secretary?

Whether action against the Secretary is warranted is at the discretion of the organization.

[Gary Novosielski]

On 6/2/2023 at 4:21 PM, J. J. said:

The majority may order him removed from the room by majority vote (61:7).

Or better yet, if no vote had been taken to admit him he's not allowed in by default. The president may order, or any member may demand his removal via a Point of Order.  And yes, the Secretary may be subject to discipline as well. per your bylaws, or RONR §62.

Edited June 2, 2023 at 09:52 PM by Gary Novosielski

[Josh Martin]

On 6/2/2023 at 4:50 PM, Gary Novosielski said:

Or better yet, if no vote had been taken to admit him he's not allowed in by default. The president may order, or any member may demand his removal via a Point of Order.

I'm not certain about this. I think it depends on the assembly's rules and customs on this matter. While RONR does not permit nonmembers to attend meetings, there is also nothing in RONR which explicitly requires permission of the assembly for a nonmember to attend a meeting (unless the meeting is held in executive session). Unless the board has a rule or custom to that effect, I don't think a Point of Order would be appropriate unless the nonmember became disruptive.