FFA teaches board parliamentary procedure

Parliamentary procedure is a necessary part of running meetings, especially government meetings, but how many elected officials know the ins and outs of how to take action on something?

There are two options for those wanting to maintain order at meetings. One is trying to decipher Robert’s Rules of Order, the definitive guide to running meetings. The other is to call upon your local FFA.

The Shawano FFA recently took an evening to give some pointers to the Shawano School Board, explaining how to manage debate, when motions should be made and how they should be stated, among other things. The group was invited to provide a demonstration of how meetings should be operated after a discussion on staff raises was bogged down with confusion when a couple of amendments were made to an original motion.

“Parliamentary procedure for any organization is just the basis for running a meeting smoothly and effectively,” said Missy Goers, an adviser for the Shawano FFA and the coach for the group’s parliamentary procedure team. “It ensures the rights of the majority, but it also protects the minority and allows them to have their voice heard.”

Goers noted that the Future Business Leaders of America also hold competitions on parliamentary procedure. She said teaching it in high school helps to prepare tomorrow’s leaders with the ability to function within an organization.

“Out in the real world, you see it all over and the importance of it, as well,” Goers said.

When it comes to making motions, there is an option for amending that motion, such as changing the amount of a proposed raise. When that happens, according to Goers, the discussion must shift to the amendment itself and not the original motion. She explained to the board that it is like climbing a ladder, and that in order to get back down, the amendments must be addressed and voted on before returning to the primary motion.

“This is not something that is learned overnight,” Goers said. “Many times, the students come back year after year to build on that.”

Goers said she and the students were happy to share their skills with the board, and being able to put their training to practical use is a benefit.

“It provides a real-world connection (for the students) and shows it’s not just something they’re learning, that this is applicable and needed,” Goers said. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Steve Stomberg, another adviser for the Shawano FFA, pointed out that the parliamentary procedure training was meant to provide basic information to the board, and that he and Goers should not be considered legal experts.

“With operating our FFA chapter, we do run our meetings with parliamentary procedure,” Stomberg said. “We make motions and we make amendments on things.”

Anna Majeski, a freshman at Shawano Community High School, said she has seen that parliamentary procedure is necessary to keep things organized in a meeting.

“It helps the meeting run smoothly and gives everyone a chance to talk,” Majeski said. “Everyone’s on the same board.”

Majeski said she got involved with the parliamentary procedure team because she likes working in groups, and the concepts laid out in Robert’s Rules of Order help her to work better with others.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com