Mastering Council Meetings

Mastering Council Meetings offers guidance for running effective local government meetings based on parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules of Order. The book breaks down complex protocols into clear steps that council members and staff can implement. The authors present strategies for managing public comment periods, handling difficult personalities, and maintaining order during heated discussions. Case studies from real municipalities demonstrate both successful and problematic meeting scenarios. The text includes templates, checklists, and sample scripts that cities and towns can adapt for their own use. Technical aspects of meeting management are balanced with practical advice about building consensus and fostering public participation. This handbook emphasizes the intersection of procedure and democracy, showing how well-run meetings support good governance and citizen engagement. The core message centers on using rules and structure to serve the public good rather than obstruct it.

The book receives positive feedback from local government officials and meeting facilitators who mention its usefulness in real-world scenarios. Readers highlight the clear explanations of Robert's Rules of Order and appreciate the practical examples. What readers liked: - Step-by-step guidance for handling common meeting situations - Sample scripts and dialogues - Charts and quick reference tools - Focus on smaller boards and councils rather than large assemblies What readers disliked: - Some found it too basic for experienced parliamentarians - Limited coverage of virtual meetings - Price point considered high by some readers Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (84 ratings) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Specific feedback: "The scripts alone are worth the price" - City Clerk on Amazon "Helped me through my first year as council president" - Municipal official review "Could use more content on electronic meetings" - Recent reviewer

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🔷 Ann Macfarlane served as Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Seattle from 1998-2009, giving her unique insights into diplomatic procedures and formal meeting protocols. 🔷 The book's principles are based on Robert's Rules of Order, which was originally published in 1876 by U.S. Army officer Henry Martyn Robert after he was embarrassed by his poor performance leading a church meeting. 🔷 Co-author Andrew Estep has trained over 10,000 elected officials and staff members in parliamentary procedure through his work with Jurassic Parliament. 🔷 The concept of "unanimous consent," discussed in the book, can save up to 80% of meeting time compared to formal voting procedures when used appropriately. 🔷 The book's publisher, Local Government Services, specializes in publications that help local governments function more effectively and has been serving this niche market for over 30 years.