Two Questions

[Zetagymnast]

I am parlimentarian for my sorority and I am suppose to do. I enforce the constitution and see that it is followed. But, is there anything else I am suppose to do?

Another questions is that I need some ideas for our pledging process because I am also pledge educator and we are beginning next week. Here are some themes that I need activities for togetherness, career, strength, and sisterhood.
Thanks in advance

[honeychile]

Congratulations!

Being a Parlimentarian will prepare you for the future more than most other offices!!

[Zetagymnast]

Originally posted by honeychile
Congratulations!

Being a Parlimentarian will prepare you for the future more than most other offices!!

Thanks so much!! Too bad my reign as Parlimentarian will be over in May!

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by BetaRose
- ensure your chapter follows parliamentary procedure during meetings.

I agree with what everyone wrote, but the part about parliamentary procedure can not be stressed enough. Not only is it important to know it, but it is also important to know when the meeting begins to revolve around the rules, as this is not good.

I recomend that you get a copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. Also, your school may offer a course in this. There are web sites at robertsrules.org and robertsrules.com that will provide you with information as well.

[Kevin]

If you have any national organization, feel free to contact them. They might be able to provide you with useful documents to help you figure out what to do. Your job could or could not encompass many of the things listed above. If you're asking this question, there's a good chance that your predecessors failed to take this job seriously (or your transition was crappy). It's up to you to define the office now. Best of luck.

[Zetagymnast]

My sorority was out for a couple of years and my line was basically the rebirth so we started out fresh. It is sometime hard for me to keep control of the meeting so I am going to have to be a little more assertive because my sisters tend to stray off the subject.

[moe.ron]

Do you have the authority to impose fines? If not, try to get your constitution changed so you do have the authority. This way, you'll have more power in controlling the meetings.

[Kevin]

Originally posted by Zetagymnast
My sorority was out for a couple of years and my line was basically the rebirth so we started out fresh. It is sometime hard for me to keep control of the meeting so I am going to have to be a little more assertive because my sisters tend to stray off the subject.

If you're running under Robert's Rules, a simple "Orders of the day" being enforced by the chair will clear that right up.

Also.. if you adhere strictly to Robert's, you'll have a great tool to keep you on task. How many people are present in your meetings?

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Zetagymnast
so I am going to have to be a little more assertive because my sisters tend to stray off the subject.

As I said, it will prepare you for future positions like no other office ever could!

I learned Parlimentary Procedure in high school, and I'm still amazed how often I'll be at a meeting, and someone will ask if that was the correct way of doing things!

I don't know what term you use to quiet people down (we tend to use a sharp "Ladies!"), but if you must, simply and loudly state, "Point of Parlimentary Procedure!" - and the floor must be given to you. Explain what's out of order (if you can do this with a smile, all the better), then you may need to coach the President through the correct method.

All the better if you & the President can get together before a meeting that may have some tense moments, and get your signals straight. She should be able to look at you, and see if you're nodding or shaking your head as to Procedure - or whatever signals you decide to use.

But please don't be afraid to invoke the "POPP" announcement! It not only brings things to a halt, but it will establish your authority.

[sairose]

Here's a tip!

My chapter had a problem with us getting off subject, so here's what we did.

Have a jar at meetings. Whenever someone speaks out of turn, they have to put a quarter/dime/etc in the jar. It really helps!

[sororitygirl2]

My chapter did the penny-in-a-jar thing too. At the end of the meeting, we would count out the pennies and stay that many extra minutes practicing ritual songs.

[Zetagymnast]

Originally posted by sairose
Here's a tip!

My chapter had a problem with us getting off subject, so here's what we did.

Have a jar at meetings. Whenever someone speaks out of turn, they have to put a quarter/dime/etc in the jar. It really helps!

Thanks for the tip!!! I think I am going to use this one at meetings.