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Preface to
Robert's Rules of Order Revised
A work on parliamentary law is needed, based, in its general principles,
upon the rules and practice of Congress, but adapted, in its details, to the use
of ordinary societies. Such a work should give not only the methods of
organizing and conducting meetings, the duties of officers, and names of
ordinary motions, but also a systematic statement in reference to each motion,
as to its object and effect; whether it can be amended or debated; if debatable,
the extent to which it opens the main question to debate; the circumstances
under which it can be made, and what other motions can be made while it is
pending. Robert's Rules of Order (published in 1876, slight additions being made
in 1893) was prepared with a hope of supplying the above information in a
condensed and systematic form, each rule being complete in itself, or giving
references to every section that in any way qualifies it, so that a stranger to
the work can refer to any special subject with safety.
The fact that during these thirty-nine years a half million copies of these
Rules have been published would indicate that there is a demand for a work of
this kind. But the constant inquiries from all sections of the country for
information concerning proceedings in deliberative assemblies that is not
contained in Rules of Order, seems to demand a revision and enlargement of the
manual. To meet this want, the work has been thoroughly revised and enlarged,
and, to avoid confusion with the old rules, is published under the title of "Robert's
Rules of Order Revised."
The object of Rules of Order is to assist an assembly to accomplish in the
best possible manner the work for which it was designed. To do this it is
necessary to restrain the individual somewhat, as the right of an individual, in
any community, to do what he pleases, is incompatible with the interests of the
whole. Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes,
there is the least of real liberty. Experience has shown the importance of
definiteness in the law; and in this country, where customs are so slightly
established and the published manuals of parliamentary practice so conflicting,
no society should attempt to conduct business without having adopted some work
upon the subject as the authority in all cases not covered by its own special
rules.
While it is important that an assembly has good rules, it is more important
that it be not without some rules to govern its proceedings. It is much more
important, for instance, that an assembly has a rule determining the rank of the
motion to postpone indefinitely, than that it gives this motion the highest rank
of all subsidiary motions except to lay on the table, as in the U.S. Senate; or
gives it the lowest rank, as in the U.S. House of Representatives; or gives it
equal rank with the previous question, to postpone definitely, and to commit, so
that if one is pending none of the others may be moved, as under the old
parliamentary law. This has been well expressed by one of the greatest of
English writers on parliamentary law: "Whether these forms be in all cases
the most rational or not is really not of so great importance. It is much more
material that there should be a rule to go by than what that rule is; that there
may be a uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to the caprice of the
chairman or captiousness of the members. It is very material that order,
decency, and regularity he preserved in a dignified public body."
H.M.R.
February, 1915.
"It is recommended that
each officer of an organization
obtain a copy of the 176 page
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in
Brief (RONRIB) to use as a meeting guide. Interested members who wish to
participate fully in meetings will find it to be invaluable. This
'in brief' book is one of the best values around! For more in-depth
information, you will also want a paperback copy of the 704 page
Robert's Rules
of Order Newly Revised (RONR) to be used as a reference (when more
information is needed), which the 'in brief' book cross references and refers to
by page and line number. If you are serious about parliamentary procedure, buy
the long-lasting hardcover edition
of RONR as a reference book for your personal library.
RONR is the book to use
if Robert's Rules of Order is designated in your bylaws as your parliamentary
authority."
-- Rod G Davidson, Professional Registered Parliamentarian
Going to a meeting but not sure what to do or say?
Inexperienced, but want to know how to take part? Learn quickly and easily!
Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised in Brief is a short, simple book that includes:
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Sample dialogues
to get the presiding officer and members confidently through motions,
nominations, elections, voting, debates, amendments, and more
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Invaluable tips
for keeping meetings orderly and on track
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A chapter
answering the most Frequently Asked Questions
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Handy tables at
the back of the book tell you just what to say
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Appointed to a
committee? Elected an officer or board member? Chosen as a convention
delegate? Chapters on each clearly explain your duties
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Abundant
cross-references to the standard
RONR throughout
if more in-depth information is needed.
Finally! Published in 2004, this simple and concise,
user-friendly guide covers the basics of conducting and participating in
meetings of any size. Written by the same authorship team as
Robert's Rules of Order Newly
Revised (RONR), this short easy-to-read guide covers the essentials
on the rules most frequently used at meetings. At 176 pages, this handy pocket
manual is roughly one-fourth the number of pages of
RONR, yet this
brief guide is entirely consistent with the larger 704 page
RONR, something
that cannot be said for other short books on parliamentary procedure.
RONR,
Henry M. Robert's classic guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted
meetings, was originally published in 1896 and has sold close to 5 million
copies in nine editions. This 704 page, 10th edition, Parliamentary Authority
will continue the book's reputation as the gold standard of meeting procedure
for professional parliamentarians and novice club presidents and members alike.
When you need the details, this is the book to get!
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Each order from
this website includes a FREE leaflet of "Basic
Parliamentary Information" - This handy reference card includes
charts summarizing the basic characteristics of motions, the
procedure and wording used in handling a main motion, a sample
agenda/order of business, and information on voting and amendments.
Keep this reference card handy in your pocket or purse! |
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http://www.rulesonline.com
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