The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply [Paperback]

Rita Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2008

Robert's Rules of Order have been around since 1876, when Henry Martyn Robert published the first edition of his book, which was then known as the Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies. The book based its outline on the House of Representatives' meeting procedures and adapted these methods for use in society as a whole. Since these rules debuted, they have become the most commonly adopted parliamentary method in the United States, with approximately 95 percent of all clubs, organizations, and governments practicing them. When the copyrights of the original editions expired, many other Robert's Rules of Order began to surface. Today, many of these books are the same - with one apparent problem: a lack of focus on current trends, specifically the Internet. However, The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy emphasizes this fact and stresses how society has changed due to the advent of the Internet. Clubs, organizations, and societies need to know how to meet and communicate online, and this book provides the answer. In this book you will learn about technology, conducting meetings online, communicating online, teleconferences, Web conferences, and Web seminars. You will also learn the proper ways to address and send e-mails, as well as how to communicate using instant messenger software. The Internet has transformed the meeting space, and you need to incorporate these changes into your meetings. Additionally, you will learn about all the more traditional rules, including such things as quorum, abstention votes, votes of no confidence, friendly amendments, proxy votes, executive sessions, points of privilege, parliamentary inquiries, and debates. You will also learn how you can adopt Robert's Rules of Order, how to qualify as a legal meeting, how to follow the standard order of business, how to handle a motion, and how to nominate and elect officers. Also included is a discussion of the various motions, including privileged, incidental, subsidiary, main, and unclassified, as well as the basic by-laws and the required paperwork, such as minutes, treasurer's reports, and committee reports. The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy will serve as your guide to conducting orderly and fair meetings in the 21st century. The rules for using the Internet as a meeting and communication space are clearly defined, easy to understand, and simple to apply.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the Florida Publishers Association 2009 President's Book Awards, Gold Medal - Business --Book Award

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (FL); 1 edition (September 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601382596
• ISBN-13: 978-1601382597
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #542,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars E-Z Guide to Robert's Rules, October 28, 2008

By 

An American (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Paperback)

The subtitle to this book is "Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply." "Complete," "made easy," "everything to know," "explained simply" this is just what you need when it comes to understanding and using Robert's Rules of Order.
Also, this is what makes this book well written, it's clearness of style and use of language are a fine example of the use of plain language in writing about difficult and complex subjects. It's the kind of book suited for first time and occasional user to even a veteran who needs a quick guide for reference.

Starting with the history behind the rules, the author brings you current to using the rules today within an organization. Along with this, the topics of electing officers and types of meetings are discussed. The key point, however, is the use of motions and voting procedures. This is rightly pointed out as the heart of the matter. It relates to running your average club meeting right up the halls of government and big business. Once you understand this key point, you are in command of what is most necessary to participate in just about any kind of meeting.

The rest of this book deals with topics, such as providing the necessary paperwork in terms of having an agenda, recording the meeting by taking minutes, and presenting reports on key matters. Also, covered are the points regarding debate, how and under what conditions such an engagement takes place.

Chapter eight discusses the rules for everyday use by calling attention to at least fifteen basic rules to follow, most of which are already familiar, such as calling a meeting to order, adjournment, recess, making a motion and discussion. Discussed also are those rules used occasionally as well as how to lead and control a meeting by displaying certain key characteristics of leadership.

What is often overlooked in regard to meetings is how etiquette and Robert's Rules are closely related in that the niceties of our usual behavior are also appropriate in conducting and participating in meetings, such as having polite manners, not being rude, or talking out of turn or interrupting. In addition, when there are no direct applications of Robert's Rules, you can adopt a more "relaxed" or "modified version of the rules."

The added values to this book are the appendices which illustrate by example such documentation as: notices and minutes; sample bylaws, committee reports, resolutions, ordinances, and conventions. Also provided is an excellent glossary followed by a user friendly index to key topics.

All considered, this book is a valuable addition to anyone's library especially for those who engage in attending or participating in various civic, political and business functions where meetings are an important part.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy, March 25, 2010

By 

Chris Johnson - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Paperback)

In my position on several different boards different people would bring up motions and procedures that had me wondering if they really were right. That was my motivation for ordering the book. I wanted the answers at my fingertips, and the book provided the answers in an easy to read format.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete Guide to Roberts Rules of Order, October 7, 2009

By 

Joseph A. Kneller - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Paperback)

It is concise, too the point and easy to read. It has the information to answer just about any question you may have. I like it and am glad I purchased it through Amazon.