“Our members are the backbone of this organization, ensuring that meetings across Texas—and beyond—are run with fairness, efficiency, and a touch of parliamentary brilliance. Your commitment to parliamentary education and leadership is what makes TSAP strong, and I am honored to serve as your President.”
2024-2025
Dear
Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP TSAP President
TSAP 2024 – 2025 Board of Directors:
President, Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP
1st Vice President, Edwin K. Miles, PRP
2nd Vice President, Cherise Story, RP
3rd Vice President, Omar Jimenez
Recording Secretary, Monica Isgren, RP
Treasurer, Heather C. Diehl, RP
Parliamentarian, Ronald Stinson, PRP
Historian, David Perez Hurley
Newsletter Editor, Ramsey Cooper, RP
Committee Leaders:
Audit Committee, Gregory Short, RP
Nominations Committee, Elaine Vetter
Bylaws Committee, Lewis Vetter, PRP
Convention Chair, Pamela Harmon, PRP
Procedure Handbook, Frances Rizo, RP
Public Relations, Charles Bowles, RP
Strategic Plan, Bennyfer Bridgewater, PRP
Youth Committee, Delores L. Shaw, PRP
It is my pleasure to invite you to the 70th Annual TSAP Convention, where we will come together to celebrate our theme: “Texas Strong: Building Excellence through Parliamentary Education.” This momentous event will take place on May 2-4, 2025, at the Crown Plaza Medical District Hotel, in Dallas, TX, and trust me— you won’t want to miss it!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Another convention? More motions? More amendments? Yes! And it’s going to be fantastic! Where else can you find a room full of people who actually enjoy debating subsidiary motions and perfecting the art of calling the previous question? If that sounds like your kind of gathering (and let’s be honest, it does), then you need to be there!
On a more serious note, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the dedication and passion that each of you brings to TSAP. Our members are the backbone of
this organization, ensuring that meetings across Texas and beyond are run with fairness, efficiency, and a touch of parliamentary brilliance. Your commitment to parliamentary education and leadership is what makes TSAP strong, and I am honored to serve as your President.
This year’s convention promises engaging workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and plenty of opportunities to network with fellow parliamentarians (or, as I like to call them, “the best rule-followers in Texas”). Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your parliamentary journey, this convention will provide valuable insights, resources, and, of course, a few laughs along the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Register today! Come join us for learning, camaraderie, and maybe even a little fun (yes, parliamentary procedure can be fun — we’ll prove it!). I can’t wait to see you there!
With excitement,
Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP President, Texas State Association of Parliamentarians
Elaine Vetter Nominating Committee Chairman
The TSAP Nominating Committee met on January 25, 2025, prior to the Winter Board meeting on January 26th , 2025 to finalize and adopt the following slate of candidates for the upcoming 2025 elections.
The committee announces the following slate of candidates:
President Edwin Miles, PRP Bell Unit
1st Vice President Cherise Story, PRP Bayshore Unit
2nd Vice President Marsha Thornton, PRP Sounding Block Unit
Philip Ruiz Crossroads Unit
3rd Vice President Omar Jimenez Crossroads Unit
Howard Redmond, RP Golden Triangle Parliamentarians Unit
Recording Secretary Monica Isgren, RP Flonnie Mae Larimer Unit
Treasurer David Perez Hurley Crossroads Unit
Gregory Short, RP Bell Unit
The TSAP Nominating Committee Members are Mohith Gajjela; Regenia Moore-Lee, PRP; Erica Courtenay-Mann; Elliott Rogers, RP; Philip Ruiz; Gloria Shinkawa, RP; Jenita Thomas; Marsha Thornton, PRP; and Elaine Vetter, Chairman.
I wish to thank my committee for their support, participation and for sharing their knowledge and TSAP experience.
It is after thorough and thoughtful review, discussion, and visiting with numerous TSAP members, our committee is please to present these candidates for our membership’s consideration for the 2025 Board. We thank you, our members, for your help with our search and we thank our slate of nominees for their willingness to serve the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians.
Edwin K Miles is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian with the National Association of Parliamentarians and has been involved in the study and practice of parliamentary procedure since his collegiate days at Prairie View A&M University. He has provided parliamentary services to a number of professional and civic organizations to include workshops, study sessions, the revision and amendments of organizational bylaws and parliamentary opinions. Edwin is a proven leader, and he encourages his colleagues and friends to seek answers in parliamentary procedure through research, study, and joining the NAP.
Edwin is also a career and organizational development consultant for The PE Miles Group, LLC. In this capacity, he has provided individual counseling, training, and career management consulting for individual contributors, professionals, managers, and executives in diverse industries throughout Central and South Texas and the Midwestern United States Edwin also serves small and large clients in the development or redevelopment of organizational structure and the incorporation of parliamentary procedure.
Edwin’s diversified work history includes State government, higher education administration, organizational development, and human resource management. He has worked as an executive for the Texas General Land Office, Texas State University, and the Harcourt Corporation
Edwin is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, American Institute of Parliamentarians, and the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians, where he has served as chair of the nominating committee, Historian, and bylaws committee chair, and currently serves as the First Vice-President and Extension Committee chair Edwin served the NAP as the 2024 NTC Workshop Coordinator and is a member of the PRPCE team.
Edwin is a past president of The Bell Parliamentary Unit of San Antonio, and the current VicePresident of the Christopher Registered Unit. He is also a member of the Electronic Association of Parliamentarians and the Green Gavel Electronic Unit. Edwin has served as a parliamentarian in several professional and community service organizations, including the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce, the Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Vibrant Works and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. where he has served on the Regional Board as Chair of the Bylaws committee and has served as the International Parliamentarian.
J. Cherise Story is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), having attained the credential of Professional Registered Parliamentarian and a member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians. She is currently the 2nd Vice President of TSAP and chairman of the Education Committee. She previously served as 3rd Vice President and Membership Committee chairman.
Cherise has been a member of the TSAP Nominating Committee, served as a delegate to multiple TSAP Conventions and as a convention presenter. She was appointed coordinator of the NAP Leadership Conference for 2024 and 2025, and Appreciation Banquet chairman at the 2023 44th Biennial Convention. She is on the District Six Administrative Team, with responsibility for coordinating the 2023 and 2025 district conventions, President of the Bayshore Unit, and is on the membership committee of the Green Gavel Electronic Unit.
Among clients for her parliamentary services are a leading Houston not-for-profit organization and a national faith-based organization. As a former president and presiding officer at monthly meetings of a 1,000-plus member service organization, she appreciates the value of parliamentary procedure in conducting effective meetings. Cherise has presented parliamentary procedure workshops for new member exam preparation, NAP units, state association conferences, and other not-for-profit organizations. She has served as a professional presider at client meetings, a parliamentary procedures competition judge and a workshop facilitator at multiple levels of in-person and virtual NAP conferences. She also conducted various managerial training programs throughout a 40-year corporate career in financial services, audit, and corporate trust administration.
Cherise is a CPA, a graduate of Southern University and A&M College, and has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. She resides in Houston, Texas.
Marsha Thornton is a thorough leader and TSAP Member (2008) and PRP (2018).
She serves on the Educational Resource Committee (ERC) for NAP and the Bylaws Revisions Committee for TSAP. She has also served as a unit president and workshop presenter including recently presenting at the 2024 NAP National Teaching Conference and the 2025 TSAP Symposium.
Marsha supports our youth connections by judging student competitions for HOSA (both International and Regional) and Business Professionals of America (State).
Marsha believes that education is key and as such worked to obtain a master’s degree in business and a master’s degree in conflict resolution. She combines her education and corporate experience to provide sound leadership.
Marsha is currently a proud member of The Sounding Block Unit (TSBU).
Philip Ruiz is Treasurer and Member for the Crossroads Unit, Austin Parliamentarians (Affiliate Member), Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TASP) Policies & Procedures Manual (PPH) Committee Member, and Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TASP) Nomination Committee Member. He is Associate Principal for Community Development Management Company, Inc., a full-service government relations consulting firm with proven expertise in government consulting, governmental affairs services, in addition to public-private partnerships involving collaboration between units of government, government agencies and private-sector companies.
Philip earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science (Texas State University) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) (Texas State University). He is recognized as a Distinguished MPA Alumni by Texas State University (June 1995 and May 2014).
Omar Jimenez is currently serving as the Third Vice President of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians. Previously, he was appointed as the Procedure Handbook Committee Chair for TSAP in 2023. Omar is also involved in his local parliamentary unit, Crossroads Unit of Dallas where has served as an Executive Board Member, Treasurer, and currently is the Vice President. Recently, he has been awarded the Viola F. Brannen Memorial Scholarship for the 2024 National Training Conference in San Antonio.
Outside of TSAP, Omar has served in numerous leadership roles in political organizations across Dallas and Texas as President, Vice President, and Secretary. He is also member of the Dallas ISD 2020 Bond Advisory Committee.
Omar is a proud first-generation college student where he attended The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley and received a BA in Mass Communication. In his spare time, he’s an avid sports and theater enthusiast. His teams that he cheers for are many of his Home Sports Teams, the Kansas City Chiefs, and eagerly excited for his alma mater’s inaugural college football season this year. He also likes to explore new places and cities.
Howard Redmond, RP is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Apex, serving the DFW Metroplex, and the Immediate Past Regional Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Gulf Coast Region.
A Registered Parliamentarian (RP) and active member of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) since 2018, Howard has held various leadership roles, including Golden Triangle Unit President and 2023-2024 Nomination Chair.
He also serves as Fundraising Chair for the Lewisville High School Band Booster, supporting student programs.
Howard holds a BBA from Eastern Illinois University, where he played football, and a Master’s in Real Estate Analysis from the University of North Texas. A Lifetime Member of Phi Beta Sigma, he remains engaged in real estate, fundraising, and community leadership.
Monica Isgren, RP, was first introduced to parliamentary procedure as a chaperone for her daughter’s FFA competition team. Fast forward many years later, she began her own study after enduring one too many needlessly long & and painfully autocratic meetings. She has been a member of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) since 2021 and currently serves as the President of the Flonnie Mae Larimer Parliamentary Unit and the TSAP Recording Secretary. In 2023, she earned her Registered Parliamentarian credential.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Marketing from Bowling Green State University. She has a background in nonprofit work, having served both as a volunteer and in professional roles in various organizations. She worked in local communities at YMCAs in the Chicago suburbs and for the YMCA of Greater Houston for many years. She currently serves on the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association (HAPA) Bylaw Committee as a representative for the Houston Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association chapter.
Monica and her husband, John, are proud parents of two children. Their son, Michael, works as a tugboat engineer on the Houston Ship Channel, and their married daughter, Maggie, is a veterinarian near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In her free time, Monica enjoys exploring the vibrant Houston food scene, traveling, and theater. She is also an avid sports fan with a particular passion for college sports and her beloved Chicago Cubs.
I have been a committed member of Crossroads since February 2011, serving as the Emeritus President and currently holding the position of Treasurer for more than one term. My passion for financial stewardship and community service is deeply rooted It has shaped my involvement in various ways. I have been a dedicated member of Crossroads since February 2011, serving as the Emeritus President and fulfilling the Treasurer role for more than one term. My passion for financial stewardship and community service is deeply rooted and has shaped my involvement in various organizations.
With over 30 years of accounting experience, I discovered my calling at 17 when I served as the Treasurer of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Horas Alegres Preschool. Those early roles taught me the importance of financial accountability as I took on responsibilities like filing payroll taxes with the Internal Revenue Service, managing payroll, and overseeing budgets. I also had the opportunity to lead teams and provide essential financial reports.
My journey in leadership with Crossroads Unit, TSAP, and NAP are as follows:
▪ Crossroads Unit, member since 2011:
o President
o Bylaws Committee - Chair
o Vice President Nominations Committee - Chair
o Treasurer
o Finance, Chair
▪ TSAP, member since 2011:
o Historian
o Nominations Committee
o EEF Committee
o Convention Committee
▪ NAP, member since 2013:
o District 6 – Social Media Committee
My commitment to enhancing financial practices and ensuring transparency has significantly benefited the organizations I’ve worked with. I am devoted to continuing this legacy of strong economic leadership and community service organizations.
I would love to continue serving on the Board of The Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP).
Gregory R Short is a retired officer of 26 years active duty of the United States Army. Gregory has severed in a Plethora of positions throughout his career such as a Health Service Administration, Medical Logistician and a Combat Development Writer. Gregory served as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) prior to becoming an officer and served as a Medical Squad leader, Medical Platoon Sergeant, Gregory was certified by the Army as an instructor and receive a certificate from the Total Army Instructor Training Course where he instructed the Health Care Specialist Course, he also held the position of Medical Hold Operations NCO.
Gregory became a registered parliamentarian in 2021 and enjoys volunteering as a Registered Parliamentarian within several organizations to include his Fraternity: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. Greg is a license minister and currently publishes sermons and words of encouragement on social media under the moniker, Mr. Encourager.
During his time away from volunteering Gregory is involved with being the chapter President of his local chapter, Beta Beta Sigma. Gregory Serves as the Parliamentarian for the Gulf Coast Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity In addition to being the treasure for two parliamentarian units (Christopher registered Unit, The Bell Parliamentarian Unit) in addition to having being the Audit Chair for the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians for the past two years. Gregory continues to provide counseling for those who reach out to him and seek life counseling. His pride is being versatile and the ability to speak with others concerning all levels of communication while catering to their needs.
The tradition of the Education Endowment Fund Raffle will occur on Saturday night May 3rd at the 70th Annual Convention. All units (and members, too!) are invited to donate a gift basket or other items which will be raffled or auctioned off during the evening. Please notify the chair of donated items by April 1st.
Fun ideas for gift baskets are collections of themed items like Game Night, Movie Night, and popular items from your city or state. Be creative! Give your basket a name – how about “Some Enchanted Evening” for a date night basket? And consider the possibility of bringing something you have made yourself if you are a crafty person or have kitchen talents.
But there’s more! Several PRPs plan to auction their professional or tutoring services. Also, we will continue to showcase through a Silent Auction a collection of historical parliamentary procedure books, some over 100 years old. Some will be offered individually; others will be available in bundles. If you are looking to add previous editions of Robert Rules of Order to your library, here’s your chance.
Another way for you to help the EEF:
- Make a direct contribution, either in person at the convention or by using the regular form to send your gift. https://texasparliamentarians.org/education-fund/ You can do this at any time during the year.
Remember that gifts of $25.00 or more will entitle the giver to receive the handsome TSAP- branded mug with a potential surprise gift.
The Education Endowment Fund uses all funds raised to support parliamentary education activities and projects.
Michelyn Washington, PRP
EEF Trustee Chairman
Your unit could be the recipient of the next TSAP Outstanding Unit Program Award. Highlight information about your excellent unit programs and other parliamentary activities conducted between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
Unit Presidents should email the completed Outstanding Unit Program Award form to TSAP Second Vice President J. Cherise Story at 2ndvp@texasparliamentarianas.org by April 1, 2025. The award form is on the following page and is included in the TSAP Policies and Procedure Handbook. You can also retrieve a PDF version of the form by clicking HERE
Awards will be announced at the 2025 TSAP Convention.
By Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP
In the world of parliamentary procedure, the motion to Lay on the Table is one of the most frequently misunderstood and misused motions. Too often, it is incorrectly employed as a way to kill or postpone an item of business, rather than serving its true purpose. Let’s explore what Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) actually says about this motion and how to use it correctly.
According to RONR, the motion to Lay on the Table is intended for situations where an assembly needs to set aside a matter temporarily to handle something more urgent. The key here is that the assembly should intend to resume consideration of the matter later in the same meeting (or at the next regular meeting in organizations that meet less than quarterly).
In other words, this motion is a tool for interruption, not indefinite delay.
Despite its specific purpose, the motion to Lay on the Table is often misused in the following ways:
1. As a way to kill a motion – Some members use this motion when they don’t want to deal with a particular topic, thinking it buries the issue forever. In reality, this motion is not meant to dispose of a question permanently. If the goal is to reject the motion, the correct approach is simply to vote it down or use the motion to Postpone Indefinitely.
2. As a disguised form of postponement – Many mistakenly use this motion to push an issue to the next meeting, thinking it is a form of postponement. However, the correct motion for that purpose is Postpone to a Certain Time, which allows members to set a specific time to bring the matter back.
3. To avoid debate – Sometimes, members try to Lay on the Table just to avoid discussing a controversial topic. Since this motion is not debatable, some see it as a clever way to shut down debate unfairly. However, RONR makes it clear that this is not the intended use of the motion.
- Continued
For the motion to be valid under RONR, the following should be true:
• The assembly must have a pressing reason to set the matter aside (e.g., an urgent matter arises that needs immediate attention).
• The intention should be to resume the matter later in the same meeting (or the next meeting in certain cases).
• If the assembly fails to take it from the table before the end of the next meeting, the motion dies and must be reintroduced as new business if members wish to take it up again.
If a member misuses the motion to Lay on the Table, there are a few ways to handle the situation:
• Raise a Point of Order – Any member can call attention to the incorrect use of the motion, prompting the chair to rule on the validity of the motion.
• Seek Clarification from the Chair – If unsure, a member can ask the chair, “What is the urgency requiring this motion to be laid on the table?” If no urgent reason exists, the motion should not be entertained.
• Move to Take from the Table – If a matter has been improperly laid on the table, a member can later move to take it from the table to bring it back to discussion.
The motion to Lay on the Table is an important parliamentary tool, but only when used correctly. It is not a way to postpone, kill, or dodge a motion. By following Robert’s Rules of Order, members can ensure that business is handled fairly, efficiently, and in a way that respects the rights of the assembly.
So next time someone tries to “table” a motion, be sure to ask: “Is this really an urgent interruption, or are we just trying to avoid the issue?”
By Marsha Thornton, PRP
Have you ever put your all into preparing and delivering a recommendation for a report and then hear the phrase “I’m opposed”? Hearing these words (or a similar phrase) can feel like a wasp sting.
So many times, we invest a part of ourselves in the work we do for organizations we are members of or for organizations we consult for and hearing disagreement with our thoughts can catch us off guard.
What if we took a step back and rather than hearing the words “I’m opposed” as a wasp sting, receive it as the beginning of meaningful dialogue to help perfect the recommendation being shared.
If we are honest with ourselves, no one is perfect or can think of everything to launch a perfect program or initiative. It’s the fabric of different views that shapes organizations. If someone opposes a recommendation, it may be because they believe it can be done a different way. It is not in many cases a personal attack on the person making the recommendation.
For those opposed, let us be mindful to deliver the opposition in a thoughtful manner, thinking before we speak – “How would I want to hear that if I were on the other end?”
For those hearing the opposition, receive it as an opportunity to move forward with the recommendation but perhaps with a few tweaks.
As committed parliamentarian professionals, let us strive to work to help clients create recommendations that foster the organization’s goals while simultaneously valuing diversity of thought to adjust recommendations using the collective wisdom of those present at the meeting.
Embrace Today,
Marsha Thornton
March is designated as Parliamentary Youth Month. We encourage Units to provide parliamentary learning opportunities to young people in your communities. Parliamentary procedure is more than learning Robert’s Rules of Order. We have a unique opportunity to teach young people the importance of exercising a democratic decision-making process that allows everyone to be heard and to make group decisions without disrupting the meeting. By participating in a study group, young people develop critical thinking skills, public speaking skills, how to conduct an efficient meeting, decorum in debate, and a respect for others and their opinions. We, as parliamentarians, have an opportunity to help young people to develop a love of parliamentary procedure, and most importantly to train the next generation of parliamentarians.
Document your youth events with pictures and share them with NAP’s social media at hq@nap2.org.
Delores Shaw, PRP Chairman - TSAP Youth Committee
By Tamesia Garner VP, Flonnie Mae Larimer Parliamentary Unit
Each year in January, February and April, teams of students emerge all around the State to share their knowledge of Parliamentary procedure at various organized events. The last week of January I was honored to evaluate for the Houston Areas HOSA event and in February I will travel to Waco for FCLLA events.
Both of the organizations use similar formats where the Teams have a rubric of motions and other matters of business are required to be utilized. It is always interesting to see how each of the teams maneuver through motions and debate. Some teams are stronger than others, but at the HOSA event, there were a couple of common misses – even from one of the “polished” teams.
Lay on the Table was one of the motions required to be used by the teams. Was there an introduction of an “urgent” reason supporting Lay on the Table? Well…no. But one team did have a member rise to a privileged motion to Recess, so they finessed that little dance.
The required motion to be covered that was most problematic was the handling of the Motion to Move the Previous Question. There were many voice votes, which are difficult to determine the two-thirds required vote on this motion. Those that did use raised hands for the voting method generally had the two-thirds to pass, but the Chair did not let the Assembly know the threshold needed for a passing vote.
Overall, these teams were moving in the right direction in their study of Robert’s. Most of them didn’t talk so fast that you couldn’t understand them, so that is progress. I know deep within myself that these Teams and their Coaches/Advisors would benefit from a parliamentarian visiting with them from time to time. Last summer, before school started, I contacted three high schools wanting to meet with their Student Government groups…got nothing but crickets, and even they were hoarse.
Question: What can we do to break down the barriers in schools so we, as parliamentarians, can gain access to the future defenders of democracy?
Parliamentary law is for everyone and a life skill to be carried our entire lives. How can we make a greater difference in engaging students in their growth in the study and practice of our craft?
By Ramsey J. Cooper, RP
At the NTC in San Antonio last fall during a District 6 meet & greet session, Frances Rizo introduced herself to members in attendance and mentioned she is proud that a park in West Dallas is named in her honor. Intrigued to learn more, I asked if she would be willing to have her story featured in the TP. Thankfully, she agreed.
Born and raised in West Dallas, Frances Rizo, RP has been a community activist since the age of 16, when she volunteered for the first Texas state senate campaign of Oscar Mauzy. Senator Mauzy became elected in 1966 and served Texas’ 23rd Senatorial District until 1987. Frances is still involved in 23rd Senatorial District community activism to this day.
Passionate about uplifting people, Frances is certified by Stanford University to teach health classes for older adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes. As a fighter since her youth, she has not allowed a personal health setback to derail her drive and mission. Approximately 3 years ago, Frances experienced a mild stroke and was fortunate to get to the ER in time to treat it. Today, she describes her recovery status as 85-90% back to normal and will be back on track again soon to complete her doctorate degree and become a PRP.
As a parliamentarian, Frances wasn’t seeking a leadership role in the NAP until it finally dawned on her that people take you more seriously when you have credentials behind your name. She began her parliamentarian journey in the 1980’s while being mentored by Virginia Johanson, PRP-Retired (Virginia has been a NAP member since 1969). Frances was motivated to became credentialed to help people learn and she still teaches when opportunities arise. Her driving mission
Frances Rizo, RP
NAP Leadership
▪ Emeritus President of the Crossroads Unit
▪ Chairman of the TSAP Procedure Handbook Committee
▪ District 6 representative for At-Large members in Mexico City, Mexico
Community Leadership
▪ Vice-Chairman of the first DISD Mexican-American Advisory Committee
▪ Community leader for the Lyndon B. Johnson War on Poverty program
▪ Founded the first Hispanic women’s organization in Dallas in 1975
▪ Organized and served as the 1st President of the Dallas Chapter of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas
Achievements
▪ Active participant in the effort to obtain federal funding for bilingual education in DISD
▪ Led effort to obtain funding for the first organized little league sports programs in West Dallas
▪ Honored with the naming of Frances Rizo Park
and quote by her is: “as parliamentarians, we create leaders. We are making our society a better place by building more effective leaders”.
Frances traces her first introduction to parliamentary procedures to the 7th grade when her teacher taught the class how to elect class officers. She recalls being elected as the class secretary. Though the words Roberts’ Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedures were not mentioned at that time, the experience taught her and her classmates how to function as an organized unit.
Prior to being a credentialed parliamentarian, Frances learned the finer details of Roberts Rules of Order through grassroots education as a member of the PTA.
She was motivated to join the PTA to be able to make sure her kids and other kids were not discriminated against. As a PTA member, Frances caused friction by suggesting meetings should be held in the evenings so more parents could attend and that meetings be bilingual so parents could understand. The PTA board refused to change due to prejudicial beliefs that Hispanic parents would not show up and do not care about their kids. This sparked Frances to prove them wrong. Not only did she continue voicing concerns against discriminatory practices, but she also initiated a plan to increase membership, raised money to pay the dues of new members who could not afford it, then ran against the sitting PTA president and won. She became PTA president in 1971 and remained influential through PTA involvement for 19 years while her four children progressed through grade school. As president, meetings were moved to evenings and were bilingual so parents could actively participate.
Prior to becoming president, Frances was able to be involved in the PTA during school hours because she had a part-time job with World Book Encyclopedia. Due to strong relationship building skills, she grew this role to a team of 30 salespeople, earning very good income by only working a few hours each week. Also, during this time she attended El Centro College and is proud to have consistently achieved Dean’s List recognition.
Frances has been involved in several community activist roles throughout the years, including being the vice-chairman of the first DISD Mexican American Advisory Committee and being a community leader for the Lyndon B. Johnson War on Poverty program. Her work led to the establishment of the official bilingual education program in DISD, which marked the beginning of formal efforts to address the needs of Spanishspeaking students. To help achieve this, Frances was a part of the Dallas delegation that travelled to Washington D.C. to negotiate federal funding.
Frances credits parliamentary knowledge and experience with making her an effective leader because she “knew how to conduct meetings and move motions”. She also said she had to learn parliamentary procedures as “… a matter of survival”, otherwise she could become outmaneuvered when addressing the needs of the community. She is quoted: “if you don’t know parliamentary procedures on a board that has available funds, you will not be effective”.
Frances’ favorite leadership quote is her adaptation of words made famous by Winston Churchill: “Learn the rules and never, never, never give up!”
“if
you don’t know parliamentary procedures on a board that has available funds, you will not be effective”
– Frances Rizo
The 1.9 acre neighborhood park in West Dallas named after her, located near Loop 12 and Interstate 30, was dedicated in May 1990. When asked about this honor, Frances said it was a complete surprise. The community secretly petitioned to get the city council to rename the park where she grew up by working through local churches, business people, and neighbors who wrote letters of recommendation.
When Frances finally found out what they were doing she didn’t believe it would ever be approved because she had consistently “caused trouble” for city council leaders. She had always been (and still is) vocal about the rights of Hispanic people. However, the community assured her they had it covered, and she did not need to lift a finger. Their sentiment was that she more than deserved the honor and she recalls they told her
“you taught us to never give up and to make noise until they do it!” So, when it finally happened, it was a very emotional and triumphant celebration for everyone.
When asked about her top achievement as a community activist, Frances could not pick one because she says she didn’t do anything by herself. To her, achievements have always been a community effort. For this reason, her greatest accomplishment was empowering the people.
From a young age, Ms. Rizo was taught to always stand up for people who are being taken advantage of, so empowering people to know they can achieve anything by believing and by uniting as an organized unit is an instinctual response. It has driven her even before she learned her first parliamentary procedures lesson in 7th grade.
By Elaine Vetter “Parliamentarian of the Caribbean” and member of the San Antonio Unit
November 9th, 2024 through 16th, the National Association of Parliamentarians set out on an adventure in the Caribbean! NAP members from all over the United States met up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On the 9th we were greeted by the press secretary for the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and were provided a tour of the House of Representatives and lunch.
NAP President Allison Wallis, PRP along with Past President Ron Stinson, PRP presented the Press Secretary with twelve copies of Robert’s Rules of Order and other educational materials. We were invited to take a group photo in the House Chamber. At the end of our tour NAP members were presented with a medallion with a seal of the House of Representatives in a wooden case.
- Continued
Then the group of adventurers were taken to the Wind Star Cruise Line’s Star Pride where we would begin our journey to five of the windward islands. The service on board was attentive, the rooms spacious and the food was bountiful and delicious.
Our first day was a day at Sea. Parliamentarians were given a special t-shirt which proudly identified us as “Parliamentarians of the Caribbean” and that is how we were known for the entire cruise. Word passed quickly that there was a group on board who studied Roberts Rules and could answer questions about how to get control of a meeting, among other topics. Other passengers were asking how they could get a t-shirt (It really is a nice t-shirt)!
Our first day at sea was spent studying and attending educational sessions. We had a comfortable conference room and terrific instructors. Topics covered appealed to both the novice and experienced parliamentarians.
We spent our other days exploring the islands and our nights visiting with old and new friends. Special thanks to Ron Stinson, PRP and to all who made the arrangements. This is a trip that will be long remembered and left us wishing for one more day on the Star Pride.
Heather Diehl, RP
TSAP Treasurer
Heather Diehl, RP
TSAP Treasurer
Answers for last quarter’s word search
Find the following: Five Golden Rules, Four Calls To Order, Three Friendly Amendments, Two Tabled Debates, (and) A Parliamentary Inquiry
How doesa parliamentarianapologize? I moveto reconsider mylast statement!