AIP Communicator Summer 2025

AIP

C O M M U N I C AT O R

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS

SUMMER 2025

President’s Message

TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message

1

2025 Board Candidates

2

AIP Board of Directors

3

Calendar of Events

3

Communicator Deadlines

3

Recommended Amendment to AIP Standing Orders

4

Recommended New Article for AIP Bylaws

4

Recommended Amendments to AIP Bylaws 5-7 AIP Annual Session in Charleston Fast Approaching 7 Virtual Spring Practicum Wrap-up 8

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Annual Session

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 Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T procedure. Your passion and hard work have been President 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.

News from the Accrediting Director

8

Welcome, New Members

9

Do You Want to be a Parliamentarian?

2025 Annual Session • August 6–9, 2025

9

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.

Thank you for your commitment to our organization and to the vital work we do.

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

•

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.

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!

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to be part of an inspiring and energizing annual event!

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.

President: Robert “Bob” Peskin, DDS, CP-T

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Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS 121 State Street Albany, NY 12207 P (888) 664-0428 | F (847) 517-7229

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Robert M. Peskin, DDS, CP-T

president@aipparl.org

Vice President Atul Kapur, MD, CPP-T, PRP

vicepresident@aipparl.org

Secretary Laura Meade, CPP, PRP Treasurer Evan Lemoine, CPA, CFE, CGMA, PRP

Bylaws and Standing Orders Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP

bylaws@aipparl.org

Professional Responsibility Sarah E. Merkle, JD, CPP-T, PRP

ethics@aipparl.org

secretary@aipparl.org

Member Services Wanda Sims, CP

member@aipparl.org

treasurer@aipparl.org

Opinions Atul Kapur, MD, CPP-T, PRP

opinions@aipparl.org

Directors Marushag “Nush” Powell Ken Reed, DMD, ATP, CP-T, PRP Todd Brand, CP-T Glen Hall, DDS, CP-T Brandon Walters, CP-T, PRP Valoree Althoff, MHA, BSDH, CPP-T, PRP Daniel Ivey-Soto, JD, CP-T, PRP Wanda Sims, CP

Director01@aipparl.org Director02@aipparl.org Director03@aipparl.org Director04@aipparl.org Director05@aipparl.org Director06@aipparl.org Director07@aipparl.org Director08@aipparl.org

Accrediting Director Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP

accrediting@aipparl.org

Youth Activities and Scholarship Committee Sean Schilke, CP

youth@aipparl.org

OTHER COMMITTEES & OFFICIALS Annual Session Coordinator Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP

annualsession@aipparl.org

Spring Practicum C.J. Cavin, Esq., CPP-T, PRP (General Coordinator) ecpcoordinator@aipparl.org David Jackson, CP-T (Curriculum Director)

Communications Director C.J. Cavin, Esq., CPP-T, PRP

communications@aipparl.org

ecpcurriculum@aipparl.org

Education Director W. Craig Henry, CPP-T, PRP

education@aipparl.org

Winter Practicum Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP (General Coordinator) WestCoast@aipparl.org

parliamentarian@aipparl.org

Al Gage, CPP-T, PRP, PAP (Curriculum Director) WestCoast2@aipparl.org

Parliamentarian Al Gage, CPP-T, PRP, PAP

DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

Communicator Editor Marushag Powell

Audit Steven Cook, CP, PRP

Parliamentary Journal Editor Libby Willis, PRP

audit@aipparl.org

Budget and Finance Evan Lemoine, CPA, CFE, CGMA, PRP

Additional information regarding dates and registration are available on the AIP website at aipparl.org as they become available.

August 7-9, 2025 Charleston, SC

Hybrid Annual Session

October 6-17, 2025

Certified Parliamentarian Exam Window Application deadline)

Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

pjeditor@aipparl.org

finance@aipparl.org

Calendar of Events

(August 15, 2025

Communicator@aipparl.org

Deadline Dates for The Communicator August 15, 2025

Fall 2025 Issue

November 15, 2025

Winter 2025 Issue

February 15, 2026

Spring 2026 Issue

May 15, 2026

Summer 2026 Issue

Page 3

Recommended Amendment to AIP Standing Orders 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:

Amendment:

If Adopted:

20. Standing Committee Duties: Bylaws and Standing Orders Committee. The committee shall:

20. Standing Committee Duties: Bylaws and Standing Orders Committee. The committee shall:

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.

20.1 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.

20.1 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: Currently Reads:

Amendment:

If Adopted:

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.

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.

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.

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Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

Recommended Amendments to AIP Bylaws The Budget and Finance Committee proposes the following to amend Article III - Membership, Section 7: Currently Reads:

Amendment:

If Adopted:

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 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.

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: Currently Reads:

Amendment:

If Adopted:

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%.

Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

(continued on next page) Page 5

Bylaws Amendments (continued from previous page) 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:

Amendment:

If Adopted:

The general purpose of AIP shall be the improvement of parliamentary procedure. Specific objectives are codified in the AIP Action Program.

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) Page 6

Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

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.

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!

Helen McFadden, JD, CP, PRP

2025 Annual Session Coordinator

Bylaws Amendments (continued from previous page) 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.

Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

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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

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And congratulations also to our newest CPs: •

Nush Powell, CP

•

Troy White, CP

Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

Welcome, New Members!

John Adey Lothian, MD

A. Evan Eyler Burlington, Vermont

Nichole McCarthy Ithaca, New York

Gabriel Altunsu South Lake Tahoe, California

Paul Grosvenor Brooklyn, New York

Andrew Mitchell Lafayette, Indiana

Janice Booker Memphis, Tennessee

James Hall Lowell, Massachusetts

Laura Mussler Hope Mills, NC

Allison Clock Newport News, Virginia

Carrie Harris Indianapolis, Indiana

Robert Neal Frisco, Texas

Elizabeth C. Conner Boston, Massachusetts

Cherryl Henderson Saginaw, Michigan

Diana Roadcap Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania

Ileana De La Rosa Brooklyn, New York

Elizabeth Isaac

Christine Schuch Brooklyn, New York

Lauren Dobbs Fort Worth, Texas Daniel El-Dweek Watford City, North Dakota

Andrew Kok Lansing, Michigan

Charlyn Stewart Fresno, Texas

Claudia Lopez Mission, 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 Summer 2025 | AIP Communicator

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) Page 9