Understanding Robert’s Rules of Order role of members is integral to the success of any organization. While members have rights, they also have duties, and knowing these duties contribute greatly to smooth operations.
What Is the Role of Members in Robert’s Rules of Order?
Members are the organization’s driving force. They actively participate by running for office, serving on boards and committees, and presenting ideas at meetings. Without the members’ active involvement, the organization would not exist.
In organizations, some members eagerly take on active roles, while others prefer to stay on the sidelines, leaving tasks for someone else. Active participation, though, is essential to the progress of any organization. Unfortunately, in many organizations, only a few members receive leadership opportunities. This leads to the formation of cliques and causes a divide among members. Before long, negative feelings will start to breed, and the organization can’t explore its full potential.
For an organization to thrive, achieve success, and embody true democracy, it must recognize, nurture, and utilize the talents of all its members. Some people were born to lead, but it’s important to note that all members have the potential for leadership with the proper training.
How to Welcome New Members
An organization should welcome new members using the following strategies:
- Provide each new member with a comprehensive package, including the organization’s bylaws and other governing documents.
- Take time to understand the motivations behind a new member’s joining decision. Addressing their needs is crucial for membership retention.
- Assign a mentor to guide the new member, offering insights into the organization’s operations and advising on leveraging their unique talents.
- Conduct a training session on parliamentary procedure, emphasizing that all members are encouraged to present ideas through motions during meetings.
- Immediately involve new members in committees aligned with their talents and interests to foster a sense of purpose and contribution.
Robert’s Rules of Order Member Roles and Duties
Members bear various duties and responsibilities within the organization. These include upholding meeting etiquette, preparing for leadership roles, engaging in committees, collaborating with other members, participating in proper debate, exercising impartiality and courtesy, protecting minority rights, and advocating for compliance.
Keep in mind that members may have additional obligations depending on the organization. In homeowners associations, for instance, members have unique duties, such as following community rules, maintaining their properties, and paying dues.
1. Meeting Etiquette
Members must attend meetings promptly and adhere to the designated time. They should also Familiarize themselves with parliamentary procedures to ensure smooth proceedings.
2. Leadership Preparation
Members must equip themselves for potential leadership roles within the organization.
3. Committee Engagement
Members must accept and fulfill committee assignments promptly.
4. Collaboration
Members must foster harmonious collaboration with fellow members, even in the face of differing opinions.
5. Debate Conduct
Members must exercise the right to present one’s viewpoints in debates. Respect the majority’s decision, even if it differs from one’s own, and wholeheartedly support the collective choice.
6. Impartiality and Courtesy
Members must maintain impartiality, fairness, and courtesy during meetings, especially in debates. They must only raise a point of order when a significant rule violation occurs. Additionally, members must practice attentive listening and wait courteously for one’s turn to speak.
7. Protection of Minority Rights
Members must safeguard against the potential for majority rule to transform into disregarding minority rights. They must also uphold the principle of not rushing or railroading through business.
8. Advocacy for Compliance
Members must responsibly address any violations of organizational bylaws or rules during meetings. They must politely draw attention to instances where members’ rights are at risk.
Preserving Member Rights
A presiding officer may occasionally disregard members’ rights by refusing to consider a valid, seconded motion due to personal disagreement. In such instances, a member can take the following steps:
- Raise a Point of Order. Object to the chair’s actions by formally raising a point of order.
- Appeal the Decision. The member can appeal this decision if the chair deems the main motion out of order.
- Reintroduce the Motion. If the chair overlooks the point of order, the member can reintroduce the motion. If seconded and still ignored, the member has the right, according to Robert’s Rules of Order, to present the motion to the assembly, initiate debate, and call for a vote. During this period, the member takes control of the meeting until the main motion is either permanently or temporarily resolved.
Robert’s Rules of Order Role of Members Explained
When it comes down to it, board members and officers are not the only ones responsible for upholding it. Members, too, have an array of duties that they must fulfill. Only when all members work together can the organization function seamlessly.
