What's the Big Deal About Parliamentary Procedure?
Parliamentary Procedure is more than a bunch of mumbo jumbo - its use defines an infrastructure that helps ensure that no matter what your organization happens to be, its business can be conducted in an orderly, nonpartisan, and democratic fashion.

Following Parliamentary Procedure helps ensure:
  • Justice and courtesy to all;
  • Rights of the minority are protected;
  • Rule of the majority are reflected;
  • Consideration and evaluation of one subject at a time.
The guidance for the parliamentary procedure for PTAs comes from three authorities:
  • Bylaws - The bylaws of the California State PTA, as well as the bylaws of its subordinate PTAs, take precedence over the guidance in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. 
  • Toolkit - The Toolkit is the California State PTA reference manual for units. It is packed with valuable information, and also takes precedence of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Click this link to view the California State PTA Toolkit. 
  •  Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised  (Current Edition) - The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, is the parliamentary guidebook that ensures business is orderly and uniform in areas that the unit bylaws and the Toolkit do not provide guidance. While it benefits everyone to be familiar with Roberts Rules, the parliamentarian's role is to help assist the president in questions of procedure. If the unit does not have a parliamentarian, a pro-tem parliamentarian can be appointed by the president. 
Let's Get Started With Terms to Know...
  • Chair – The chair is the presiding officer for the meeting - it's the responsibility of the chair to impartially guide the voting body through the business on the agenda for the meeting. 
  • Quorum – The number of members that must be present at a meeting, as set forth in the bylaws, in order legally to conduct business 
  • Motion – A formal proposal made to bring a subject before an assembly for discussion and vote 
  • Majority vote – More than one-half (1/2) of votes cast 
  • ​Bylaws – The bylaws are specific rules that govern a unit, council or district. They are the “Articles of Organization”. They may not be set aside, waived or suspended, even by a unanimous vote. Upon discovery of such action, the action may be declared null and void. All PTA bylaws have specified sections in common. Any change in bylaws requires a review by the state Parliamentarian, followed by a 30-day written notice and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership. 
  • Standing Rules – Rules outlining procedures of the organization that are not included in the bylaws and that do not restate or conflict with the bylaws. They may be amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote or, if written notice has been given, by a majority vote.
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