Point of Order!

Point of Order!
By Brian J. Wagner
Past NAPS President

Before you know it, the 70th NAPS National Convention in San Francisco, Aug. 10-14, will be in full swing. My point: If you are attending, don’t delay in getting things in order. Here’s the scoop!

Whether it’s your first or 51st NAPS national convention, get an early start on planning your travel. Whether going by train, plane or automobile, it’s never too early to make your travel itinerary.

Now also is the best time to get your hotel and convention registrations completed. Have your delegate credentials signed and submitted, as well.

Clothes? You will need clothes; look your best to feel your best. And don’t forget to put your mail on hold.

My point: Having things in order before leaving for the national convention should make your convention experience more enjoyable and rewarding once you get there.

To further my point, understanding the order of how NAPS business is conducted during the convention also will help ensure your experience can remain rewarding and enjoyable.

For the record, Article III of the NAPS Bylaws stipulates the proceedings of the NAPS national convention is governed by parliamentary procedure in accordance with “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.” By having rules, you have order. In NAPS’ case, it is the newly revised 12th edition of “Robert’s Rules.”

In brief, “Robert’s Rules of Order” is a comprehensive handbook on parliamentary procedure that provides instruction, in part, on how convention business is handled. It explains what is “in order” and “out of order.”

Parliamentary procedure covers who may speak and when during the convention. This ensures “pro and con” discussions on convention resolutions are fairly heard. If not, you will hear “point of order” to address potential unfairness.

Speaking of resolutions, there could be upward of 100 or more resolutions to be addressed during the national convention. “Robert’s Rules” guides how resolutions and amendments are handled, discussed and voted on. Once a resolution is passed, it could rise again in motion for reconsideration. Here is my point.

Basically, “Robert’s Rules” provides for democratic rule, meeting flexibility and protection of rights of the majority and minority to be fairly heard. These are the basics whether you are at a local branch meeting or a national convention. Understanding and following parliamentary rules and procedures ensure association branch business can be accomplished fairly and effectively.

It is important to note that when a person is recognized by the chair to speak at a local branch meeting, state or national convention, they have a right to express their point of view. It is their “voice of reason.”

All recognized speakers should be shown dignity and respect during and after their respective comments. You may not agree, but agree to disagree respectfully. Any personal attack toward a speaker is “point of order” of being “out of order.”

In the end, the final democratic majority vote decides the will of the membership. That vote, too, should be respected by the members, including those who voted in the minority.

If you are going to be a delegate at this year’s national convention, familiarize yourself with “Robert’s Rules of Order” and parliamentary procedure. Learn or review as much as you can before the convention.

Be encouraged to dive into discussion on the convention floor if you have something to say. The 12th edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” is approximately 800 pages. There also is a “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief” that is fewer than 225 pages.

Both books can be purchased online and at most local book stores. In addition, you can search the internet to see if there is an electronic version available to download; there may be a cost.

You may want to ask your respective NAPS Executive Board member if they could schedule training on basic parliamentary procedure in advance of the national convention. Having an understanding of “Robert’s Rules of Order,” even the basics, only can enhance your participation and national convention experience. What better way to make your 70th NAPS National Convention experience a memorable one?

I am confident the more you know about parliamentary procedure, the more you will be encouraged to come to the convention floor to have your voice heard to better our great association.

For the record, we also have “Brian’s Rules for Ice Cream.” I move that April’s ice-cream-flavor-of-the-month be Aloha Cherry Truffle. All in flavor? It’s unanimous!

Be safe and eat more ice cream.