What is Parliamentary Procedure?

Abbas Hussain, Parliamentarian

​Parliamentary procedure is a cornerstone of effective meetings, fostering order, fairness, and efficiency. For local FBLA chapters, integrating these principles can elevate decision-making processes and ensure every member’s voice is heard. Here’s how to implement basic parliamentary procedure and utilize it effectively in your chapter.

What is Parliamentary Procedure?

Parliamentary procedure refers to a set of rules for conducting meetings and making decisions as a group. By adopting this framework, FBLA chapters can run smoother meetings and make informed decisions collaboratively.

Implementing Parliamentary Procedure

Educate Members: Start by introducing members to the basics of parliamentary procedure. Host a workshop or share resources that outline fundamental concepts, such as making motions, debating, voting, and following the agenda.

Appoint a Parliamentarian: Designate or elect a parliamentarian to oversee adherence to these rules during meetings. This individual should receive additional training to serve as a resource for the chapter.

Adopt Ground Rules: Establish which elements of parliamentary procedure your chapter will follow. For smaller groups, simplifying procedures can make them more accessible. Focus on essentials like making motions, seconding them, and voting.

Practice During Meetings: Gradually introduce these practices during regular meetings. For instance, start by using a formal agenda and asking members to make motions when proposing ideas. This step-by-step approach will help members gain confidence.
Provide Ongoing Training: Reinforce learning by incorporating brief parliamentary drills at the beginning of meetings. Additionally, encourage officers to attend FBLA conferences or workshops that offer sessions on parliamentary procedure.

Using Parliamentary Procedure

Encourage Inclusivity: One of the core principles of parliamentary procedure ensures that all members have an equal opportunity to contribute. By requiring motions to be seconded and voted on, it prevents any one individual from dominating the discussion.
Streamline Decision-Making: When the chapter needs to vote on an event, new rule, or budget, motions provide a clear structure. Members can debate the pros and cons before reaching a fair decision.

Implementing parliamentary procedure in your local FBLA chapter takes some practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. It builds professionalism, sharpens leadership skills, and fosters a collaborative environment, empowering your chapter to achieve its goals more effectively.

​For more details and resources, refer to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief for a concise guide that is easy to utilize at FBLA meetings.