Spring Offers the Opportunity to Reflect, Reenergize and Refocus
As the days grow longer and the first blossoms appear, I’m delighted to welcome you to a new season of growth, renewal, and connection. Spring is not only a time of fresh starts in nature but also an opportunity for us to reflect, reenergize, and refocus on the goals that bring us together as an organization.
Over the past few months, we’ve made meaningful strides — thanks to your continued engagement and support. Whether you’ve participated in our recent events, contributed ideas, or simply stayed connected, your involvement helps fuel our shared mission.
A Grateful Salute to Our Volunteers
I continue to be both astounded and deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of my fellow Board members. Their dedication, insight, and hard work inspire me daily. To each of you: thank you once again. Your contributions are not only appreciated—they are vital to shaping a vibrant, sustainable future for AIP.
Volunteer-driven organizations like AIP thrive on the energy, enthusiasm, and collective involvement of their members. That’s why I encourage each of you to step forward and find your place in this meaningful work. Whether parliamentary procedure is your profession or your passion, AIP offers a space where you can sharpen your skills, grow in confidence, and—perhaps most importantly—forge lasting friendships with others who share your interests.
Another Successful Winter Practicum
We once again returned to the Embassy Suites in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the 2025 Winter Practicum this past January. With over 70 participants in attendance, the event was a resounding success. Special thanks go to General Coordinator Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, and Curriculum Director Al Gage, CPP-T, for their outstanding leadership and organization. We also extend our sincere appreciation to faculty members C.J. Cavin, CPP-T, and Roger Hanshaw, CPP, whose expertise and dedication greatly enriched the experience for all involved.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Virtual Spring Practicum kicks off on June 12 at 11 a.m. EDT and runs through June 14 at 5 p.m. EDT. This year’s theme, Roles and Responsibilities, promises timely and practical insights for all experience levels. Each session will be followed by our always-popular Presiding Lab sessions, offering hands-on opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. Click here for details on faculty, the full program, and registration.
Meanwhile, plans are well underway for the 2025 Annual Session, thanks to the efforts of General Coordinator Helen McFadden, CP, PRP. We’ll gather August 7–9 in Charleston, South Carolina—a city celebrated for its rich history, charming architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and warm Southern hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome you there for what promises to be a memorable and meaningful gathering.
Management Services Update
Finally, I’m pleased to report that our new management team at Hinman Straub, P.C. has made a smooth and successful transition into overseeing the day-to-day operations of AIP. In a short time, they have already made a meaningful
impact—enhancing our social media presence, developing fresh communications collateral, and strengthening our overall outreach and engagement efforts. We look forward to continued progress and innovation under their capable leadership.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of programs, initiatives, and opportunities designed to foster collaboration and celebrate the diversity of voices that make our organization so vibrant. I encourage you to take part, share your feedback, and invite others to join in.
Let’s make this spring a season of connection, inspiration, and forward momentum. Together, we can continue building something truly special.
Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP (General Coordinator)
Al Gage, CPP-T, PRP, PAP (Curriculum Director)
Communicator Editor
Marushag Powell Communicator@aipparl.org
Parliamentary Journal Editor
Libby Willis, PRP pjeditor@aipparl.org
Deadline Dates for The Communicator
May 15, 2025
Summer 2025 Issue
August 15, 2025 Fall 2025 Issue
November 15, 2025 Winter 2025 Issue
February 15, 2026 Spring 2026 Issue
Insights from the 2024 Membership Survey
Dear AIP Members:
As Chair of the Member Services Committee, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for participating in the 2024 Membership Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in guiding the direction and priorities of the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP).
We received 276 responses, with participation from 52 credentialed members and 5 retired credentialed members. Additionally, 219 responses came from our non-credentialed members. This impressive engagement underscores our members’ dedication to and interest in the future of our organization.
Your responses indicated a high level of satisfaction with the overall AIP membership experience. However, approximately 75% of you showed interest in expanded online educational offerings, particularly webinars and workshops.
Survey results indicate a strong demand for increased virtual access to meetings and events. Specifically, members have requested the following enhancements:
• Virtual Options for Annual Practicums: Members expressed the need for virtual options for annual practicums to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
• Expanded Online Educational Offerings:
Approximately 75% of respondents expressed interest in expanded online educational offerings, especially in the form of webinars and workshops.
These suggestions aim to enhance AIP’s resources and events, making them more inclusive and accessible to all members. In response to this concern, the Education Department will launch a series of virtual workshops starting in June. The topics will include quorum, scope of notice, bring back motions, and more. For specific topics, dates, and presenters, please visit the AIP website.
In addition to quantitative insights, several key trends and areas for improvement were identified from your comments:
1. Affordability
We heard your concerns about travel costs related to annual meetings and the need for more free or discounted learning resources and experiences. We will be focusing on financial accessibility and opportunities to alleviate these costs.
2. Accessibility
Improving virtual access to our meetings and offering virtual options for annual practicums are essential goals. We are dedicated to ensuring that our resources and events are as inclusive and accessible as possible.
3. Digital Experience
Concerns arose regarding the website’s functionality, highlighting the need for a more seamless digital interface to enhance member engagement. Improvements to our digital platforms are on our agenda.
4. Member Onboarding
We recognize the need for a more comprehensive onboarding process that extends beyond fee collection. We will work to enhance the welcoming and informational aspects of joining AIP.
5. Education Content
Your suggestions to enhance basic training, expand workshop offerings, and diversify content beyond those focused on bylaws have been acknowledged. We will continue our efforts to develop a curriculum that meets diverse educational needs.
6. Member Engagement
Increasing engagement, especially for new members, remains a priority. We aim to create more opportunities for learning and interaction within our association.
Your insights and contributions are essential as we strive to improve and evolve as an organization. We remain committed to implementing these points constructively and will keep you updated on our progress and developments.
Thank you once again for your invaluable input and dedication to the American Institute of Parliamentarians. We look forward to our ongoing growth and success together.
Warm regards,
Wanda M. Sims, CP Chair, Member Services Committee
Recently the Department was asked if a member could prepare for a CP exam with a preparation time of about three months. My response was that yes, it could be done – but it will require focused and diligent study
Here are the key things I think anyone taking the exam should do:
First and foremost, read both RONR and AIPSC. When I prepared for my various exams, I would read them side-by-side, making notes of key differences between the books on various topics. But also read them individually to see how each book’s “system” of motions -- and everything else -- all fit together.
But there are things I think everyone should know before taking a credentialing exam for AIP:
• Know the fundamental principles, especially in AIPSC (RONR does not do as good a job of putting them all in one place)
• Know the hierarchy of governing documents
• Understand the principles of a quorum, and the various types of meetings (regular, special, convention)
• Understand the content of bylaws, and the differences in what RONR says goes in them and what AIPSC does
• Know the steps in making and processing a main motion
• Know the rules of debate
• Know how to properly make (the WWW method – Which, What, Where) and handle (the AMP method – Amendment, Motion as amended, Pending question) an amendment
• Know the ranking motions and Standard Descriptive Characteristics for RONR AND for AIPSC, and how they differ. Be able to write it down on a blank piece of paper
• Be able to explain the nomination and voting processes described in the books
• Understand the duties of officers and the contents of minutes
• Be able to write a script appropriately. Both RONR and AIPSC have excellent sample language for most motions
This is not, by any means, a comprehensive list. But someone who knows all of this, and has read and understood RONR and AIPSC, should be able to do well on the Certified Parliamentarian exam.
Go send in your application now!
Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP Accrediting Department Chair
Marie Frasca
April 12, 1949 – February 7,
2025
It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the recent passing of Marie Frasca, RP.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Marie and her late husband raised their children in Valley Stream, New York. In 2003, they retired to Surprise, Arizona. Throughout her life, Marie was an active volunteer in her community, making deep connections with those around her.
Read the complete obituary here. May her memory be a blessing.
Please accept this invitation to attend the Annual Session in Charleston, SC. The plan is to schedule fun as well as fundamental learning. The event will be August 7, 8, and 9 of 2025; the hotel is the Hyatt Place at the corner of Spring & King in the Charleston Historic District. We have negotiated the convention rate for two days prior and two days after the convention, so bring your family and enjoy.
Charleston remains the number one tourist destination in the United States for several reasons: food, history, and outdoor adventure. History is on display everywhere—in the architecture, in the urban planning, in the forts and
AIP Annual Session
in the museums.
Charleston is the beginning of the American Civil War and was in many ways the cause of the British loss in the American Revolution. SC250 events dedicated toward commemorating the anniversary of the American Revolution will be occurring all over the area.
Bad food is difficult to find in Charleston. If you are a foodie, “you have found your people” here. The wellknown and much-touted restaurants will be reservations-only and you will need to make the reservation 30 days in advance. Reservations can often be
made online.
Charleston is a seaport, which means there is sailing, beaches, and marsh all around it. Large ships come and go daily. There is a maritime museum at Patriots Point. One can rent kayaks at Shem Creek, and there are day trips out to Cape Romain, a national seashore and wildlife refuge, currently in the public eye for a controversy about horseshoe crabs.
Plan to come on down!
Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP Annual Session Coordinator
AIP Winter Practicum Highlights
Instructor C.J. Cavin, CPP-T, instructs attendees during the AIP Winter Practicum in Las Vegas, NV, this past January
Winter Practicum attendees network during a break between sessions
Winter Practicum Coordinator Kay Crews, CPP-T, braves the cold in the chilly meeting room.
The AIP Dental Chapter at the 2025 Winter Practicum
Roger Hanshaw, CPP, leads a session.
The AIP Youth Activities & Scholarship Committee is looking for additional members to serve immediately until the Annual Meeting in August 2025.
Our goals:
This is a great leadership opportunity and a way to ensure the pipeline of future parliamentarians!
Please email Sean.Schilke@gmail.com or tirokumalize.ama@gmail.com to express interest.
