Book

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parliamentary Procedure Fast-Track

by Jim Slaughter

📖 Overview

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parliamentary Procedure Fast-Track provides instruction on running effective meetings using Robert's Rules of Order. The guide covers core concepts of parliamentary procedure while avoiding unnecessary complexity. The book breaks down meeting fundamentals like making motions, conducting discussions, and handling votes. It includes sample dialogues, charts, and real-world examples to demonstrate proper meeting management techniques. The text addresses both basic and advanced topics, from simple majority votes to handling complicated amendments and points of order. Specific guidance is provided for different types of organizations including nonprofits, homeowner associations, and professional groups. This practical manual reflects broader themes of organizational democracy, fair process, and efficient group decision-making. The structured approach aims to balance the rights of members with the need to accomplish business.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this as a practical reference guide that makes parliamentary procedure accessible. Multiple reviews note its value for board members and organization leaders who need quick answers. Liked: - Clear explanations of Robert's Rules basics - Useful tables and charts - Step-by-step guidance for common motions - Focus on essential procedures vs comprehensive rules Disliked: - Some found it too basic for complex parliamentary situations - A few readers wanted more real-world examples - Limited coverage of electronic meetings - No downloadable forms/templates Ratings: Amazon: 4.6/5 (121 reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (6 reviews) One municipal clerk wrote that the book "saved numerous meetings from procedural chaos." A nonprofit board president noted it was "more digestible than the full Robert's Rules." Several reviewers specifically praised the motion charts and quick reference guides as helpful during live meetings.

📚 Similar books

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief by Henry Martyn Robert III, Daniel H. Honemann, and Thomas J. Balch A condensed version of the parliamentary authority used by most organizations in the United States provides essential rules for running meetings.

Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fourth Edition by Jon L. Ericson The book explains the reasoning behind parliamentary rules and demonstrates their practical applications through real-world examples.

The Complete Guide to Running Successful Meetings by Milo O. Frank The text presents systems for organizing, conducting, and participating in meetings of any size using established procedural frameworks.

Mastering Council Meetings by Ann G. Macfarlane, Andrew L. Estep This guide focuses on parliamentary procedure specifically for local government bodies and councils.

Robert's Rules For Dummies by C. Alan Jennings The book breaks down complex parliamentary concepts into step-by-step instructions for meeting management and participation.

🤔 Interesting facts

🎯 Parliamentary procedure has roots dating back to 16th century England, evolving from practices in the British Parliament 📚 Author Jim Slaughter has served as parliamentarian for numerous national and international organizations, including the National Association of Parliamentarians ⚖️ The book streamlines complex parliamentary concepts that typically fill 700+ page manuals into a concise guide of about 160 pages 🔍 Robert's Rules of Order, the primary reference for parliamentary procedure, was first published in 1876 by U.S. Army officer Henry Martyn Robert 🌟 The Fast-Track guide specifically targets smaller boards and organizations, addressing the 95% of motions and procedures most commonly used in meetings