OPINION: Effective Senators Must Know Roberts Rules Of Order

(Source: via Flickr)

Student government is the most powerful lobbying group on-campus. In 2016, a group of four senators used student government to successfully lobby university leadership to adopt a campus-wide tobacco-free policy which is still in effect today. Student government in 2016 also called on leadership to raise tuition, raise the mandatory athletics fee for all students and in other years advocated for many other initiatives that moved university leadership to act. 

The lesson here is that if student government adopts your cause, then significant things can happen for your cause. However, inside the organization, SGA governs itself by a popular parliamentary rulebook called Roberts Rules of Order. Created by Henry Martin Robert in 1876, many regard Roberts Rules as the authoritative manual for how to govern an organization  according to parliamentary order. However, this rulebook means that while senators are free to voice opinions, official adoption of those opinions comes through knowing—and effectively using—Roberts Rules of Order.

Given that proficiency in parliamentary order is paramount, here are three tips for how a senator can gain a basic understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order.  

Read iBad's Beginner's Guide

First, a senator should read some introductory literature to first understand the rules in theory. He can start with “Roberts Rules of Order: Simplified Beginner’s Guide” by European management company iBab. Its short, pithy overview breaks down the otherwise mystifying rulebook with simplicity. The guide introduces basic concepts such as motions and how to make them, what the chairman’s role is and even explains the fundamental principles behind the rules themselves. 

Unlike other works which only merely explain the regulations, this resource also demonstrates them with short, entertaining videos of the rules in use. iBad’s beginner’s guide is an excellent place to start for the newest Robert’s Rules learner. 

Admittedly, there are some minor differences with regard to what Roberts Rules says and to how SGA actually runs its meetings in iBad’s primer. For example, to gain the chairman's recognition, Roberts Rules says members should stand, but SGA usually settles with just a hand raise.

However, these differences are negligible. While it is okay to relax these rules at times and many organizations do, knowledge of the formal way lays a good foundation for the future. iBab’s article is a good, simplified introduction to an otherwise complicated subject. Every senator should start here for a basic introduction to Robert’s Rules.  

COB's Quick-Reference Resource

Secondly, senators should read the handout by The Center for Organization and Bargaining called “Roberts Rules of Order (Simplified)”. This resource has a bulleted explanation of how motions work, under what circumstances and stipulations to use them and whether they are debatable or not and more. It is an excellent quick reference guide in place of the otherwise verbose introduction for beginners above. A good senator will print out this handout and have it with him for reference at every SGA meeting.

Practice Outside Of SGA

Finally, senators should practice using Robert’s Rules in their daily life. For example, one way is to practice them over a meal with friends. This is a playful, yet helpful way to build familiarity with the rules.  

For instance, one person could make a motion to “pass the salt” or another move to “adjourn the lunch.” Another could object or move to table the motion to pass the salt. While these actions may seem silly, the greater lesson is in learning how the rules function. Senators can become comfortable with the rules outside of SGA’s regular meeting. 

So one should practice them when he can to build a basic understanding of and familiarity with the rules.

Conclusion

While these rules often seem complicated and mystifying, a senator is not without hope. Any senator can gain a basic understand of Roberts Rules by reading iBab’s Beginner’s Guide, by both reading and keeping with him as a quick reference guide The Center for Organization and Bargaining’s Roberts Rules handout and finally, by finding opportunities to practice Roberts Rules of Order outside of SGA meetings. 

With a basic understanding, a senator will learn how to be an effective operator within student government’s system and will successful win SGA’s support for his causes to his constituency’s benefit.

Twitter: @Jhescock12

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