Building a Stronger AIP: Progress, Partnership, and Possibility
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your continued support and dedication to the American Institute of Parliamentarians. Serving as your President remains one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I continue to be humbled and inspired by the trust you have placed in me.
Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T President
True leadership is never the result of one individual’s effort, but rather the collective strength of a dedicated team. I am deeply fortunate to work alongside such an exceptional group within AIP’s leadership. At this year’s Annual Session in Charleston, South Carolina, we welcomed several new members to our team. I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly elected officers and directors and my sincere appreciation to all who continue to serve with distinction and commitment:
Officers
Atul Kapur, MD, CPP-T, Vice President
Laura Meade, CPP-T, Secretary
Directors
Terms Expiring 2026
Valoree Althoff, MHA, BSDH, CPP-T
Daniel Ivey-Soto, JD, CP-T, Treasurer Glen Hall, DDS, CPP-T
W. Craig Henry, CPP-T, Education Manushag “Nush” Powell, PhD, CP
Sean Schilke, CP
Parliamentarian Justin Schmid, CP-T
Over the past year, AIP has undergone meaningful transformation. What began as a largely volunteer-led organization has now evolved into a stronger, more professional model — one that pairs the dedication of our members with the expertise of our new management partner, Hinman Straub Association Management Services. This transition has revitalized our operations and brought renewed clarity and confidence to the way we serve you, our members.
The Hinman Straub team has grown, and AIP now benefits from expanded staff support. I am pleased to introduce our management team:
• Chris Neuber, Administrator
• Clare Hart, Events Manager
• Anthony Kownack, Strategic Communications
• Kyle Goldman, Membership Resources
• Sam St. Denis, Finance Manager
I am proud of what this collaboration has already accomplished. Our communications have grown more consistent and strategic, thanks to the thoughtful work of our team — from the Parliamentary Journal’s refreshed design to the launch of new digital initiatives like Parliamentary Pearls
Our Practicums continue to thrive under steady and inspired leadership, and I know many of you have been eager for updates on 2026 events. I’m excited to announce the following programming:
• Winter Practicum: January 15 – 17, 2026
Embassy Suites | Las Vegas
Kay Crews, CPP-T, General Coordinator
Al Gage, CPP-T, Curriculum Director
Educational Deadlines
Certified Professional Parliamentarian Exam Application Deadline: 7 November 2025
Exam Window: 15-17 January 2026 at the Las Vegas Winter Practicum
Certified Parliamentarian Exam Application Deadline: 7 November 2025
Exam Window: 19-30 January 2026
46th Annual AIP Winter Practicum
“OOPS, I did it again” (motions to rescind, reconsider, and other ways to change what you already did) 15-17 January 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV Register now!
2026 Virtual Spring Practicum 12-14 June 2026
More information coming soon.
• Spring Practicum: June 12 – 14, 2026 (Virtual)
C.J. Cavin, CPP-T, Coordinator
David Jackson CP-T, Curriculum Director
• AIP Annual Session: July 29 – August 1, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott | San Diego Old Town
C.J. Cavin, CPP-T, Coordinator
Shawn Paine CP-T, Assistant Coordinator
These achievements are the result of teamwork — officers, board members, volunteers, and staff all working together with shared purpose and respect. At its core, AIP has always been about people. And while our operations have become more structured, our mission remains the same: to advance the study, practice, and teaching of parliamentary procedure with excellence and integrity.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for your ongoing contributions, and for your belief in the value and relevance of parliamentary leadership. Together, we are building an even stronger, more vibrant AIP.
With gratitude,
Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T President
Unleash Your Inner Author...
Did You Know?
AIP has two venues for member publications: our newsletter, The Communicator, and the Parliamentary Journal. Both are always seeking member contributions.
News to Share?
Do you have news to share about your local chapter of AIP, or perhaps your own activities as a parliamentarian? Reach out to The Communicator. Its new editor, David Jackson, DHSc, PA-C, CP-T, PRP, is eager to hear from you.
Or Scholarly Insights?
If you’re in a more scholarly frame of mind, look to the Parliamentary Journal. AIP’s Parliamentary Journal welcomes pieces about the historical or philosophical aspects of parliamentary works, interesting and thorny issues pertaining to parliamentary code and practice, thrilling tales of bylaw derring-do, and questions for our Opinions Committee. Reach out to incoming editor Manushag “Nush” Powell, PhD, CP, with questions, pitches, or restaurant tips.
Calendar of Events Deadline Dates for The Communicator
Additional information regarding dates and registration are available on the AIP website at aipparl.org.
November 8
January 15-17, 2026
June 12-14, 2026
July 30-August 1, 2026
AIP Learning Series Virtual
Winter Practicum
Las Vegas, NV
Spring Practicum Virtual
Annual Session San Diego, CA Hybrid
November 15, 2025 Winter 2025 Issue
February 15, 2026 Spring 2026 Issue
May 15, 2026 Summer 2026 Issue
August 15, 2026 Fall 2026 Issue
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders: The Importance of Parliamentary Procedure Training for Youth Organizations
The next generation of leaders is a tech-savvy group, growing up in a fastpaced world where they are constantly exposed to national and global events. Their connections through media and technology are unlike anything previous generations could have imagined. In this context, the ability to lead effectively is more crucial than ever. Understanding parliamentary procedure can empower young leaders to make meaningful contributions, foster collaboration, and enhance decision-making within their groups.
Parliamentary procedure provides a structured framework that governs how meetings are conducted, allowing for orderly discussions, fair decisionmaking, and efficient use of time. By teaching these skills to our youth, we can impart valuable lessons in inclusivity, conflict resolution, accountability, and advocacy.
Utilizing parliamentary procedures ensures that everyone has a voice. By learning how to make motions, propose ideas, and participate in debates, young leaders feel more empowered to share their perspectives. They gain skills in guiding discussions, managing conflicts, and effectively leading meetings—capabilities that will serve them in various aspects of their lives.
Understanding the decision-making process encourages individuals to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Youth who are
familiar with these processes are better prepared to engage in their communities, advocate for causes, and participate in local governance.
Our Role in Training the Next Generation
So what is our role in preparing the next generation for effective leadership? We can provide them with simple tools and lessons to get started. Training sessions can take place in local schools, places of worship, summer camps, or recreational gatherings— whether structured or casual. We can utilize technology, social media, and gamification to share this information, ensuring that lessons are engaging and concise (think TedTalks and Instagramstyle content).
Here are five key lessons to incorporate into training sessions:
1. The Basics: Familiarize youth with key terms and concepts, such as motions, amendments, and voting procedures.
2. Preparation for Meetings: Teach them to review the agenda and come prepared with ideas, questions, or proposals.
3. Public Speaking: Encourage practice in clearly and concisely expressing their ideas.
4. Leading Participation: Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Tochi Iroku-Malize, CP, MD, MPH, MBA
5. Reflection: After each session, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Encourage feedback from peers to continuously enhance the learning process.
Empowering the next generation of leaders starts with equipping them with the tools necessary for effective governance. By embracing parliamentary procedure, young members of organizations can enhance their leadership skills, promote inclusivity, and contribute to meaningful change.
I am fortunate to be involved in various community-based organizations and have reached out to those working with youth in my community. There has been interest in providing this training, and I am committed to helping empower future leaders and members of this organization.
I challenge you to do the same! Join the Youth & Scholarship committee or just share your ideas with us. Together, let’s encourage our youth to take the lead, participate actively, and shape the future of their communities through informed and effective governance.
Welcome, New Members!
Geoff Alan Trenton, SC
Stephen Apple Southlake, TX
Felicia Armstrong, RP Fort Lauderdale, FL
Emily Ashinhurst Malvern, PA
Mervin Bierman Bowie, MD
Leslie Browning Carroll Tyrone, GA
Mariann Burnetti-Atwell Peachtree City, GA
Renee Crichlow Brookline, MA
Lourdes DelRosso Fresno, CA
Katherine Divine Rochester, MN
Christine Doyle San Jose, CA
Brian Ebbert Sacramento, CA
Mary Edwards-Andrews Sicklerville, NJ
Tammy Eskildsen Port Stanley, ON
Shanise Evans Lake Forest, IL
Megan Faubel Orlando, FL
Alberto Gasparoni Iowa City, IA
David Gray Swan River, MB
Richard Halverson Honolulu, HI
Kristofor Harrison Detroit, MI
David Herrera Fort Worth, TX
Gary Hoeffken Swansea, IL
Djerdana Ivosevic Cointrin Geneva
Shaniqua Jackson Albany, NY
Sonya Johnson Clark Sharpsburg, GA
Danette Josey Henrico, Virginia
Luke LaRiviere Monroe, CT
Janet Leslie Staten Island, NY
Harvey Mars Teaneck, NJ
Jeffery Moser Aurora, CO
Joel Natt Cumming, GA
Jeremy Nelson Iowa City, IA
Todd Neuharth Farmville, VA
Patricia Quillen Schertz, TX
Iris N. Ramos-Cofresí Humacao, PR
Kenneth Rawson O’Fallon, IL
Willie Rogers Lufkin, TX
Dana Runge La Canada Flintridge, CA
Kevin Ryan Lisle, IL
Andrew Sarega Anaheim, CA
Mark Scott Brookhaven, GA
John Sherman Bristow, VA
Seema Sidhu Morgan Hill, CA
Sophia Spadafore New York, NY
Josephine Stokes Eugene, OR
Matthew Ulricksen Wakefield, RI
Elena Vera
Christina Weger Cameron, NC
Anna Yap Carmichael, CA
News from the Accrediting Director
Under the leadership of Board Chair Nilda Rivera, CPP, AIPEF proudly announces
The launch of the
Sponsorship Process
APPLY FOR SPONSORSHIP AWARDS TODAY
The AIPEF Board has seeded this program with up to $5,000 in support These sponsorships encourage AIP members to advance their parliamentary education. Support covers up to 80% of expenses including travel, lodging, meals, and registration fees.
Requirements
AIP Member at least 18 years of age.
Recommendation form for sponsorship completed by a credentialed parliamentarian or a leader from a youth organization
Report summarizing the experience (aimed at an article for the Parliamentary Journal)
The deadline for submissions is 60 days before the event begins.
