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Hi all. I am frustrated with the Board of Directors of my small & local activity club. The club is not being run properly and it seems as though the President is on quite a power trip. He's head of the Board, head of the Grievance committee, finance committee, etc. and head of everything else.

During regularly scheduled meetings, members are not really encouraged to contribute their thoughts on a variety of matters that affect each of us. Basically it seems as though the Board has tried to use Roberts Rules of Order to silence members.

Is there a way to use Roberts Rules of order to the advantage of members?

Can we add items to the agenda at the onset of a regularly scheduled meeting and how would that work?

According to FAQ #14, "At the time that an agenda is presented for adoption, it is in order for any member to move to amend the proposed agenda by adding any item which the member desires to add, or by proposing any other change." For this to be adopted -- does this require a second motion?

Also, regarding nominating committees, is it against Roberts Rules of Order to ensure that certain people are placed on the Nominating Committee? The Board contacts individuals in advance and asks them for their participation...they do this behind the scenes (of course). Is there anything members can do to combat this?

Your help/general knowledge is appreciated.

Thanks! :)

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Is there a way to use Roberts Rules of order to the advantage of members?

Sure, as long as there are enough members who are willing to follow the rules, you'll have no problems. It's when most members don't care that a few members can do what they want.

Keep in mind that the board is an instrument of the general membership, not the other way around. See Official Interpretations 2006-12 and 2006-13.

Keep in mind the distinction between meetings of the board and meetings of the general membership. If you're not a member of the board, you won't be able to do much at board meetings.

The composition of the nominating committee is not especially significant since additional nominations can be made from the floor.

Finally, if you're going to rely on RONR, you should have a copy of the book (though you can start with RONR In Brief). You should also be thoroughly familiar with your bylaws (i.e. have your own well-worn copy).

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Sure, as long as there are enough members who are willing to follow the rules, you'll have no problems. It's when most members don't care that a few members can do what they want.

Sadly, this has been an issue.

Keep in mind that the board is an instrument of the general membership, not the other way around. See Official Interpretations 2006-12 and 2006-13.

Like myself, I would say that most members do not have a working knowledge of Roberts Rules. We just want fairness and to be heard...instead of being dictated to. Yet, whenever we speak up, we're quickly shushed, dismissed or disregarded and some vague 'Roberts Rule' is quoted to keep us quiet.

For example, the membership will vote on something...and that something is either approved or rejected. Regardless of approval or rejection, at the next Board meeting -- the Board will take up their own vote on the same issue and implement that outcome (instead of what the members originally voted for).

How can they do this?

What recourse do members have in this instance?

Is this even a Roberts Rules issue or is it a Bylaws issue?

The composition of the nominating committee is not especially significant since additional nominations can be made from the floor.

How can we -- the members -- make nominations from the floor?

Thanks! :)

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Can we add items to the agenda at the onset of a regularly scheduled meeting and how would that work?

Yes. When the agenda is pending, a member may move to amend the agenda. Such a motion is debatable and requires a majority vote for adoption.

For this to be adopted -- does this require a second motion?

Well, it requires a motion, but you actually make this motion first, and then you make any amendments during the debate on that motion. Then a final vote will be taken on the agenda as amended. A majority vote is required for adoption.

Also, regarding nominating committees, is it against Roberts Rules of Order to ensure that certain people are placed on the Nominating Committee?

No. Whoever has the authority to appoint the nominating committee has sole discretion in how to select them.

The Board contacts individuals in advance and asks them for their participation...they do this behind the scenes (of course). Is there anything members can do to combat this?

It depends. Who appoints the nominating committee?

How can they do this?

They can't, unless the Bylaws grant the board exclusive authority in that area.

What recourse do members have in this instance?

Replace the board members with people who know how to follow directions. See FAQ #20.

Is this even a Roberts Rules issue or is it a Bylaws issue?

It's a little bit of both. Basically, RONR says the board is subordinate to the general membership in all areas unless the Bylaws say otherwise.

How can we -- the members -- make nominations from the floor?

After the report of the nominating committee is given, the chair must call for nominations from the floor. If he does not do so, raise a Point of Order. If he rules the point not well taken, Appeal from the decision of the chair. A majority vote is sufficient to overturn the chair's ruling.

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