National Association of Parliamentarians

The National Association of Parliamentarians, founded in 1930, is the largest non-profit organization of professional parliamentarians in the world. Headquartered in Independence, Missouri, the association helps organizations of all sizes conduct business efficiently through education and advocacy of effective meeting procedures and the accreditation of meeting professionals.



Register Now for 2009 Convention
Online registration is now available for members who will attend the NAP biennial convention at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel, September 11-14, 2009. Non-members and members who wish to attend the convention on Saturday and Sunday only should contact NAP directly or use the registration form in the Second Quarter 2009 National Parliamentarian to complete their registrations.



Online Training Courses
ConstructionNAP currently offers three online training programs that allow participants to learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever they like. The latest course, "Construction of a Successful Organization", is an advanced course offering in-depth coverage of all that there is to know about bylaws. This course joins two introductory courses also offered by NAP. "Parliamentary Procedure Made Easy" provides a clear but thorough introduction to effective meeting skills for anyone who is new to parliamentary procedure or would like a refresher. The popular "Minutes Made Easy" course provides secretaries of organizations and other minutes-takers with time-saving tips, knowledge of the proper content of minutes, and the information to help them prepare ahead of time and approach meetings with confidence.

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What is Parliamentary Procedure?
Although many people are familiar with the title of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, few know that it is the most widely used book on parliamentary procedure in the United States, and that the book is used by organizations ranging from homeowners' associations to school boards to Fortune 500 boards of directors.

Parliamentary procedure defines how a democratic organization works—how its members make decisions, how its leaders run the organization to meet the needs of its members, and the rights of members and non-members. Parliamentary procedure is vital to the fair operation of governments, corporations, charities, churches, and other organizations operating on democratic principles. The National Association of Parliamentarians works with organizations and individuals to educate them on fair and effective meeting procedures, and provides services and products to organizations that need help.

Learn more about parliamentary procedure by exploring the NAP Web site.

 




NAP Online Store

Item 100SBThe NAP online store, with a broad catalog of reference and educational materials, is available on the NAP Web site. Browse the catalog and securely complete your purchase online.



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Question of the Day

At our regular monthly meeting in April, an amendment to the bylaws was considered and lost. I voted against the amendment, but I have since changed my mind. It has been my understanding that a bylaw amendment which was lost could be reconsidered. I voted with the prevailing side, and at the May meeting I moved to reconsider the vote on this amendment. The chair ruled the motion out of order. Why?

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NAP News

Jun 2, 2009
Special Pricing for New Advanced Bylaws Course

May 28, 2009
Bylaw Amendment Notice Available

May 12, 2009
Convention Registration Available

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