As we prepare to gather for the 2025 Annual Session next month, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you. This past year has been marked by growth, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to our shared mission of advancing effective governance and parliamentary excellence.
Together, we’ve navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and deepened our commitment to upholding the principles of parliamentary procedure. Your passion and hard work have been instrumental in our accomplishments, and I am truly grateful for your continued support and engagement.
As we look ahead, let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire one another. By working together, we can further cultivate a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and shared purpose.
Thank you for your commitment to our organization and to the vital work we do.
2025 Annual Session • August 6–9, 2025
We are thrilled to host the 2025 Annual Session in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. Once again, we will offer a hybrid experience, welcoming in-person attendees to the city’s historic district while providing a virtual option for those unable to attend.
This year’s program features a rich lineup of workshops, including:
• Technical Orientation for Virtual Attendees: A comprehensive overview of the voting process and procedures.
• Jim Slaughter, CPP-T, PRP: Reflections on the “Parliamentarian’s Parliamentarian,” Hugh Cannon
• Glen Hall, CPP-T, PRP: The Cannon Philosophy and Fostering Collaboration between Officers and the Assembly
• Atul Kapur, CPP-T, PRP: Applying Cannon’s Methodology to Integrate Goodwill in Meetings
Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T President
• Lucy Anderson, CPP-T, PRP: Practical Strategies for Parliamentarians Inspired by Cannon’s Advice
• Brandon Walter, CP-T, PRP: Exploring Cannon’s Tools, Their Applications, and Future Potential
We’ll also offer optional excursions to the CSS Hunley and Fort Moultrie, providing opportunities to connect and deepen relationships within our parliamentarian community.
Special thanks are due to Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP, our 2025 Annual Session Coordinator, whose tireless efforts are sure to make this year’s gathering a resounding success.
All educational sessions will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing to ensure full access for those attending virtually.
As always, the session will be bookended by the Preand Post-Annual Session meetings of the AIP Board of Directors, scheduled for August 6 and August 9. These meetings are open to all AIP members, and your participation is warmly encouraged.
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to be part of an inspiring and energizing annual event!
Winter Practicum • January 15–17, 2026
Mark your calendars! This coming January, AIP returns to the Embassy Suites in Las Vegas, Nevada, for our Winter Practicum. Under the leadership of Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP (General Coordinator) and Al Gage, CPP-T, PRP (Curriculum Director), we’re planning an outstanding slate of educational offerings. It promises to be a signature event of the 2026 AIP year.
Acknowledgments
In closing, I want to extend special thanks to Manushag “Nush” Powell, CP, Editor of The Communicator; Libby Willis, PRP, Editor of the Parliamentary Journal; and the entire AIP Board of Directors. Your unwavering dedication and tireless volunteer efforts elevate the work of the American Institute of Parliamentarians and strengthen our impact. It is an honor to serve alongside each of you.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Charleston this August!
Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T President
2025 AIP Board Candidates
As of midnight on the deadline, the AIP Secretary and Communicator editor have received the following declarations of candidacy. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the annual meeting, August 6-9, 2025.
The Special Policy Committee, comprised of C. J. Cavin, Kay Crews, Evan Lemoine, Laura Meade, and Brandon Walters, proposes the following amendment to AIP’s STANDING ORDERS, SECTION 20:
Currently Reads:
20. Standing Committee Duties: Bylaws and Standing Orders Committee. The committee shall:
20.1 review all proposals from the membership for amendment to the bylaws and standing orders; all proposals shall be submitted by March 31 and include the specific wording, rationale, financial implication, and signature of the maker.
20. Standing Committee Duties: Bylaws and Standing Orders Committee. The committee shall:
20.1 review all proposals from the membership for amendment to the bylaws and standing orders; all proposals shall be submitted by March 31 and include the specific wording, rationale, financial implication, and signature, electronic or physical, of the maker.
20. Standing Committee Duties: Bylaws and Standing Orders Committee. The committee shall:
20.1 review all proposals from the membership for amendment to the bylaws and standing orders; all proposals shall include the specific wording, rationale, financial implication, and signature, electronic or physical, of the maker.
Rationale: Other documents set a date for submission that is calculated from the date of the Annual Session. This is a much earlier date and conflicts with the date provided by the bylaws.
The committee recommends adoption of this proposal.
Recommended New Article for AIP Bylaws
The Committee on Bylaws proposes the following NEW Article XIV to the AIP Bylaws to – Add Dissolution, and renumber the remaining articles:
Article XIV DISSOLUTION
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of IRC Section 501(c)(3), or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of IRC Section 501(c)(3), or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
Rationale: This language is the generic language suggested by the current IRS guidance. At the present time, we have no dissolution language in our bylaws and therefore we are reliant on whatever the current statutes in Illinois regarding dissolution of non-profit corporations. This language is specifically compliant with current IRS regulations on dissolution without regard to Illinois.
The committee recommends adoption of this proposal.
Recommended Amendments to AIP Bylaws
The Budget and Finance Committee proposes the following to amend Article III - Membership, Section 7:
Currently Reads:
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be payable on or before the annual membership renewal date. The dues for each class of membership shall be:
Regular (first 2 years) $55. 00
Regular (after 2 years) $70. 00
Certified Parliamentarian (CP) $105. 00
Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) $130. 00
CP or CPP Retired $70. 00
Full-time Student $20. 00
Associate $60. 00
Amendment:
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be established by the Board of Directors and payable on or before the annual membership renewal date. The dues for each class of membership shall be:
Regular (first 2 years) $55. 00
Regular (after 2 years) $70. 00
Certified Parliamentarian (CP) $105. 00
Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) $130. 00
CP or CPP Retired $70. 00
Full-time Student $20. 00
Associate $60. 00
If Adopted:
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be established by the Board of Directors and payable on or before the annual membership renewal date.
Rationale: Dues have not changed in the recollection of most past presidents we’ve discussed this matter with – so at least 20+ years. Inflation has continued to increase operational costs which the current dues won’t sustain. Additionally, building a more sustainable organization requires us to carefully balance tasks that are managed professionally by our management company and what is done by volunteers. While we don’t compensate volunteers, the inability to reimburse most expenses poses challenges in finding volunteers to serve on the boards, committees, and departments except those with the financial means to afford it. If adopted, the initial policy recommended by the treasurer is to increase dues between $15 to $35 depending on the category: an approximate 25-30% increase.
The Committee on Bylaws recommends the above proposal with the following addition:
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be payable on or before the annual membership renewal date. The dues for each class of membership shall be:
Regular (first 2 years) $55. 00
Regular (after 2 years) $70. 00
Certified Parliamentarian (CP) $105. 00
Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) $130. 00
CP or CPP Retired $70. 00
Full-time Student $20. 00
Associate $60. 00
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be established by the Board of Directors and payable on or before the annual membership renewal date. The annual rate of increase in each class of membership shall not exceed 20%. The dues for each class of membership shall be:
Regular (first 2 years) $55. 00
Regular (after 2 years) $70. 00
Certified Parliamentarian (CP) $105. 00
Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) $130. 00
CP or CPP Retired $70. 00
Full-time Student $20. 00
Associate $60. 00
Section 7. Dues. Dues shall be established by the Board of Directors by class of membership and payable on or before the annual membership renewal date. The annual rate of increase in each class of membership shall not exceed 20%.
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Bylaws Amendments
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Rationale: Dues have not changed for a significant period of time. The Board is an appropriate entity to develop a rational dues structure and keep it in reasonable relation to costs and income for members, specifically certified members. However, that ability should not be without some restraints. Inflation has continued to increase operational costs which the current dues won’t sustain. A dues structure more consistent with that of other professional organizations is appropriate.
The Budget & Finance Committee proposes to Amend Article II – Purpose:
Currently Reads:
The general purpose of AIP shall be the improvement of parliamentary procedure. Specific objectives are codified in the AIP Action Program.
Amendment: If Adopted:
The general purpose of AIP shall be the improvement of parliamentary procedure. Specific objectives are codified in the AIP Action Program. AIP is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposes under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any successor provision, and as a general not-for-profit corporation in the State of Illinois. The general purpose of AIP shall be the improvement of parliamentary procedure. Specific objectives, consistent with this general purpose include: promoting the use of effective, democratic, parliamentary practices that encourage civic engagement; preparation and use of parliamentary literature and books; teaching of parliamentary procedure, deliberative processes, and member-based governance to members, association leaders, public officials, and the general public; training and certification of parliamentarians based on proficiency; promotion of wider use of parliamentarians within membership associations; and maintain a representative, democratic organization; and undertaking related activities aligned with its exempt and nonprofit status.
AIP is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any successor provision, and as a general notfor-profit corporation in the State of Illinois. The general purpose of AIP shall be the improvement of parliamentary procedure to the end that decisions are made by parliamentary means. Specific objectives, consistent with this general purpose include: promoting the use of effective, democratic, parliamentary practices that encourage civic engagement; preparation and use of parliamentary literature and books; teaching of parliamentary procedure, deliberative processes, and memberbased governance to members, association leaders, public officials, and the general public; training and certification of parliamentarians based on proficiency; promotion of wider use of parliamentarians within membership associations; and maintain a representative, democratic organization; and undertaking related activities aligned with its exempt and nonprofit status.
Rationale: The Articles of Incorporation are largely unchanged since they were adopted on October 7, 1958, and before the last major rewrite of the Internal Revenue Code in 1986. Our purpose is stated as, “Educational. Nothing herein shall be deemed to authorize the corporation to operate a post-secondary educational institution or vocational school.” We only have one amendment, in 1965, which further provides that our assets, if dissolved, “shall be distributed to other educational corporations which are then exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954…” By (continued on page next page)
AIP Annual Session in Charleston Is Fast Approaching
The 2025 Annual Session in Charleston is fast approaching. We must transact the business of the organization as the membership. Join us for the event so that you can learn — more parliamentary procedure from top practitioners, some of the history of Charleston, many of the culinary delights on Charleston.
The education coordinator is Craig Henry, and he is planning to keep you busy. He has designed a program to emphasize the work of Hugh Cannon, a longtime member of
AIP and a mentor to many members. He was a resident of Charleston and was active in Charleston as a member of the school board as well as non-profits there.
Bylaws Amendments
And then there is Charleston — Conde Nast’s best city to visit. We have the excursions planned and ask that you sign up as you register so that we can plan the transportation. The hotel is within walking distance of many of the best restaurants. For those not interested in walking, the pedicabs are a great way to get around and still see both the people and the buildings. Come join us!
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today’s standards, this language is inadequate and wouldn’t suffice to be tax-exempt. It has made it challenging in some instances of receiving state sales tax exemptions as we don’t include sufficient information to emphasize the educational nature of our organization. This language combines much of the existing language we have and instead places it in the bylaws to ensure that the tax-exempt status of the organization continues to be preserved.
The Committee on Bylaws recommends the adoption.
Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP 2025 Annual Session Coordinator
Virtual Spring Practicum Wrap-up
AIP hosted a highly successful Virtual Spring Practicum from June 12-14.
The theme of the practicum was a wide-ranging exploration of the duties and responsibilities that members and officers undertake for their organizations — from To Be a Fiduciary to the specialized roles of officers and board members.
Speakers included:
• Burke Balche, PRP
• C. J. Calvin, CPP-T, PRP
• Lauren Dobbs, PA-C
• Mark Donald (keynote)
• David Jackson, PA-C, PRP, CP-T
• Evan Lemoine, PRP
• Atul Kapur, PRP, CPP-T
In addition, there was a special presentation by Donna Stelling-Gurnett and Robin Granger, IOM, of Hinman Straub on staff roles.
As usual, the most delightful component of the interactive practicum was the presiding labs, which not only provide great practice for parliamentarians at every level—they also foster camaraderie and create a venue where AIP members (and the AIP-curious) can get to know one another and the fantastic teachers in the organization.
Huge thanks to General Coordinator C.J. Cavin, Curriculum Director David Jackson, and the entire Practicum Team for outdoing themselves yet again.
News from the Accrediting Director
Hearty congratulations to our newest members to earn the credential Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure:
• Steven Cook, CP-T
• Shawn Paine, CP-T
And congratulations also to our newest CPs:
• Nush Powell, CP
• Troy White, CP
Welcome, New Members!
John Adey Lothian, MD
Gabriel Altunsu
South Lake Tahoe, California
Janice Booker Memphis, Tennessee
Allison Clock Newport News, Virginia
Elizabeth C. Conner Boston, Massachusetts
Ileana De La Rosa Brooklyn, New York
Lauren Dobbs Fort Worth, Texas
Daniel El-Dweek Watford City, North Dakota
A. Evan Eyler Burlington, Vermont
Paul Grosvenor Brooklyn, New York
James Hall Lowell, Massachusetts
Carrie Harris Indianapolis, Indiana
Cherryl Henderson Saginaw, Michigan
Elizabeth Isaac
Andrew Kok Lansing, Michigan
Claudia Lopez Mission, Texas
Nichole McCarthy Ithaca, New York
Andrew Mitchell Lafayette, Indiana
Laura Mussler Hope Mills, NC
Robert Neal Frisco, Texas
Diana Roadcap Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania
Christine Schuch Brooklyn, New York
Charlyn Stewart Fresno, Texas
Robin Ward Baltimore, Maryland
Do You Want to be a Parliamentarian?
(Then consider joining the Betty S. Green Chapter of AIP!)
The newly-elected president of my fourth grade Girl Scout Troop asked me, “Will you be our Parliamentarian?” My response to her was, “What’s that? What’s a parliamentarian?” She explained that a parliamentarian keeps order to make sure people are following the rules in a meeting. In my fourth-grade mind, I pictured myself standing before the group, raising my voice and yelling at my fellow girl scouts, “Hey, ya’ll be quiet! Sit down and quit talking! The meeting has started.” I quickly told my new scout president, “Sure, I can do that. That will be easy.”
I had absolutely no idea how important or beneficial the duties of a parliamentarian were. Fast forward many years later to my present-day memberships in church, HOA, or volunteer organizations, and I have come to realize that I need much more parliamentary knowledge and training than just yelling at the group to sit down and be quiet. As a member of a church conference crisis team, I have observed congregations find a sense of calm, even in the midst of their crises, when the team leader states to them that we will be following Robert’s Rules of Order for the church meeting.
When I joined the Fort Worth Parliamentary Unit, I met Betty S. Green at a local unit meeting. She told me her story about her parliamentarian journey and
encouraged me to join the Betty S. Green chapter so I could interact with other parliamentarians and study the American Institute of Parliamentarians’ Fundamentals of Parliamentary Law and Procedure training guide.
I joined AIP and asked to be added to the Betty S. Green Chapter email list. The chapter (which charges no dues and is open to all members of AIP) meets via Zoom twice a month on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. I have learned so much from the professional parliamentarians that are on the call. They provide input, answer questions, and share their experiences with those of us who are trying to learn parliamentary procedure.
I encourage you to join AIP and visit one of our Betty S. Green chapter meetings. It’s a great way to learn parliamentary procedure and start your journey toward becoming a parliamentarian.
To join the mailing list for Betty S. Green, simply email aipscbettysgreensecretary@gmail.com
Tobi Bray Vice President
Betty S. Green Chapter tobibray@att.net 214.906.2545 (c)
