About NAP
Advancing the principles and practice of democratic decision making
The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) is the largest and oldest professional, nonprofit association of parliamentarians in the country. Founded in 1930, NAP provides education and resources to individuals around the world on how to effectively participate in and manage meeting using parliamentary procedure.
Through its various programs and services, NAP
Encourages… individuals to learn the principles and practice of democratic decision making
Educates… people of all ages—from public and private school students to active professionals to retirees involved in their communities—in parliamentary procedure
Promotes… collaboration and professional development among parliamentarians
Provides… widely recognized, authoritative professional credentialing of parliamentarians
What is parliamentary procedure?
Parliamentary procedure, or parliamentary law, refers to the rules of democracy—that is, the commonly accepted way a group of people come together, present, discuss possible courses of action, and make decisions.
Parliamentary procedure also defines what duties people typically have when they are elected the president, secretary, or treasurer of an organization.
Fundamentally, parliamentary procedure defines how groups of people, no matter how formal or informal, can most effectively meet and make decisions in a fair, consistent manner—and make good use of everyone’s time. While parliamentary procedure cannot guarantee that every member of an organization is pleased with the outcome of a decision, it aims to ensure that every member is satisfied by the way the decision was made, and that the organization makes decisions efficiently but with consideration for every member’s opinion.
Why do I need parliamentary procedure?
Everyone in an organization — from the presiding officer to the individual voting member — can benefit from understanding basic parliamentary procedure.
Many different decision-making bodies use parliamentary procedure, including government and civic organizations, homeowners’ associations, not-for-profit organizations, corporations, churches, fraternal organizations, and unions.
Parliamentary procedure ensures effective use of time, equal voice for all members, fair and orderly conduct of business, and clear decision making with real results. When applied properly, parliamentary procedure can make long, confrontational meetings short and painless, all while protecting the rights of members.
NAP Code of Professional Responsibility:
Guiding Principles for Parliamentarians
As stated in its Code of Professional Responsibility for Parliamentarians, NAP believes a parliamentarian should:
- Assist in upgrading and improving the profession.
- Assist in maintaining the integrity and competence of the profession.
- Maintain high professional standards and keep abreast of the latest research in the field.
- Promote a spirit of cooperation, professionally responsible practice, and fair dealing with colleagues.
- Conduct oneself so as to reflect credit on the profession and inspire the confidence, respect, and trust of clients and the public.
- Encourage non-discriminatory standards in all aspects of parliamentary practice.
Our Team
NAP Board of Directors
Alison Wallis, PRP
Mona Calhoun, PRP
Deborah Underwood, PRP
Robert Schuck, PRP
Tamara D. Harris, PRP
Beth James, PRP
Steven Cook, PRP
Lucy H. Anderson, PRP
Lavon Moore, PRP
Advisors
C.J. Cavin, PRP
Cyndy Launchbaugh
Daniel Ivey-Soto, PRP
NAP Staff
