More than 40 attend session to learn Robert’s Rules of Order
Residents, business leaders and organization representatives from across Pulaski County filled the public library community room on Aug. 5 for free training to better understand parliamentary procedure.
The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) offered this three-hour training as a way to promote transparency and a greater understanding of governance. In its second year, the training explores Robert’s Rules of Order, the most widely used manual of parliamentary procedure in the United States.
More than 40 people attended the training taught by Zella Pearson, president of Priority 1 Inc. in Somerset, who has a wealth of experience training elected officials, industries, health care organizations and charitable and civic organizations. All participants received a copy of the newly revised 12th edition of Robert’s Rules.
The training’s successful turnout clearly illustrates the need for initiatives like these in Somerset-Pulaski County, SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler said.
“SPEDA is leading the way in innovation by offering free training like this to the community,” Girdler said. “No other economic development organization is doing this kind of work. But it’s exactly the type of work that is needed to improve the quality of life here, to help promote education and civic responsibility. The more our organization can provide these experiences, the stronger our community will become.”
First published in 1876, Robert’s Rules of Order governs the meetings of a diverse range of organizations — including church groups, sports organizations, homeowners’ associations, non-profits, professional societies, school boards and site-based decision-making councils — that have adopted it as their parliamentary authority.
Robert’s Rules of Order covers everything from explaining what motions exist and how they can be made, to election processes, speaking and debate, how to establish bylaws and how to discipline when proper procedure isn’t followed.
SPEDA will offer parliamentary procedure training annually, along with other soft-skills and hospitality training sessions the organization provides to the community for free. Watch SPEDA’s website and Facebook page (@spedaky) for training announcements.