Basic Principles of Running a Meeting

Roberts Rules of Order (parliamentary procedure)

CLA uses Robert’s Rules of Order as a set of guidelines to help meetings run effectively and orderly. Some of basic principles include:

• All members have equal rights: Everyone has the right to be heard and to participate in full discussion.
• Only one topic at a time: This allows for a fair and full discussion and prevents tangents.
• Recognize speakers: Members should raise their hands to get the floor and can only speak when recognized by the chair.
• Limit interruptions: Speakers should only be interrupted in urgent situations.
• Follow the agenda: The chair should keep the group moving towards its goals by guiding discussions back to the agenda when they go off-track.
• Use motions: Motions are a way to bring a subject before the group for action. There are four main types of motions: main, subsidiary, incidental, and renewal.
• Model courtesy: The chair should model respect and encourage others to do the same.

See the CLA Bylaws and Working Rules for more information: https://calawyers.org/cla/leadership/leadership-resources/