Beth Vidaurri Greg Evans, M.Ed.

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance

Beth Vidaurrichair, APTA Transit Board Members Board

Support Subcommitteemanager of the executive office, Corpus ChristiRegional Transportation Authority Corpus Christi, TX

Greg Evans, M.Ed.City Councilor, Eugene, OR Immediate Past President, Lane Transit District Board of Directors

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance

Developing an Alternative, More Flexible Method of Managing

Organizational Governance

Presented by: Greg Evans, M.Ed.

City Councilor, Eugene, OR Immediate Past President

Lane Transit District Board of Directors

Roberta’s Rules of OrderBy Alice Collier Cochran

Who is Robert anyway and why do we still follow his rules anyway?

Sail through meetings for stellar results without the gavel

A Guide for Nonprofits and Other Teams

Roberta’s Rules Overview1. Avoid motions that present a solution

without clarifying the problem2. Move a group from many ideas to closure

and action3. Select a decision making method

appropriate for the situation4. Decide the most productive and easy way

to meet5. Develop a values-based mission and

vision statement

Roberta’s Rules Overview (continued)6. Use an agenda format that helps you

focus on your mission and steer the meeting

7. Plan an interactive annual meeting8. Respect differences among group

members9. Simplify the way your organization is

governed10. Establish a flexible structure with less

hierarchy and more shared responsibility

Robert vs. RobertaFrom Robert’s Shore To Roberta’s Shore

Formality Informality

Strict Rules Guidelines and Agreements

Parliamentary Procedures Democratic Principles and Process

Military Terminology Civilian Terminology

Win-Lose Voting Win-Win Decisions

Two Decision Choices (Yes or No) Straw Polls and Multiple Choices

Controlled Relaxed

Debate Dialogue and Conversation

Motions Proposals Precede Motions

Four Courses Using the Compass Rose

Navigate Decision Making Through Rough Waters (Northeast Course)

Develop proposals before launching motions

Focus on the problem not the solution Develop simple structured proposals

before meetings: verbal and or written (include group members in presentations)

Verbal Proposal Structure1. State suggestions verbally and explain the

need2. Clarify by answering questions3. Check for disagreement-if agreement is

present end of proposal4. If there are objections clarify issues-pro

and con5. Ask for modifications or replacement

proposal6. Check for disagreement, if none check for

substantial agreement (vote if necessary)

Structured Proposals (Written):

Assess the Current Situation1. Establish the facts2. Determine the costs or other impacts3. What are the main causes or issues

Explore Possible Solutions4. Conditions for success5. Best Practices and Options6. Recommended Solutions

Proposed Change7. Suggested Action Steps

Consensus or ConcordanceThe Decision Making Square

Consensus Model

Foundation Agreements Stand Aside Postpone Delegate to Modify Eliminate Blocking or Veto Use the Backup Option

Concordance Model

Using Straw Polling Five Levels of Agreement

5. Enthusiastic response

4. Cautious support

3. Ambivalent support

2. Little support

1. No support

Concordance Model (continued) Modify proposal based on initial levels of

support Making support quantifiable Handle an impasse with a backup plan

Select Easy Meeting Methods to Get All Hands on Deck (Southeast)

Balancing traditional meetings with modern media

The need for an electronic meeting alternative

Good meeting leadership The E-mail trap Internet meetings Respecting time

Eight Keys to a Successful Meeting

Stay Focused While Riding the Tide of Diversity (Southwest Course) Respect different frames and lenses Take a multicultural approach Create multicultural comfort Focus on relationships Place for emotions Practice uncommon courtesy

Moving from Debate to Dialogue Supporting a motion means taking a

position Using Dialogue: A Powerful

Conversation Basic Dialogue Method Listening: A Key to Dialogue

Streamlining Discussions with a Clear DestinationStages of Discussion

Turning the Governance Rigging (Northwest Course)

Building a Strong Yet Flexible StructureStructuring the board and setting expectations1.Distribute and delegate authority2.Clarify responsibility3.Rotate roles4.Allocate tasks using criteria5.Diffuse information6.Provide access to resources7.Create opportunities to influence decisions

Questions?

Greg Evans, M.Ed.City Councilor, Eugene, OR Immediate Past President, Lane Transit District Board of Directors

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance

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Help? APTA’s Michael Hemsley, mhemsley@apta.com 202-496-4822

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance

Beth Vidaurri Greg Evans, M.Ed.

Roberta's Rules of OrderDeveloping an Alternative, More Flexible Method of

Managing Organizational Governance