Parliamentary procedure is a term that refers to the application of parliamentary law and rules in the conduct of business in a deliberative assembly. The term includes not only the specific rules and principles, but also their application at all levels of organization and operation of a permanent society.

Henry M. Robert, the original author of today's most used parliamentary authority, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) is quoted in the current edition of RONR:

Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of liberty.

There are probably very few people who are not familiar (at least to some extent) with parliamentary procedure, or who have not heard of "Robert's Rules".  But there are indeed few who have the extra advantage held by those who have invested their time in a basic study of parliamentary procedure.

Among those who attend meetings or belong to organizations of all kinds, there will surely be found a great number who find participation in such activities sometimes frustrating. When a chairman doesn't know how to plan for or preside at a meeting, it is obvious to all, and results in considerable time being wasted. Anyone who has experienced working with someone who has a basic knowledge of the subject knows the difference between those who are leaders and those who simply think they are. Are you ready to gain the knowledge you need to be at the top of good leadership form?

Members of the National Association of Parliamentarians are "trained to train" individuals and groups in the proper application of parliamentary procedure in their business or personal organizations. Contact the NAP today for a referral.