TP Newsletter June 2024

Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

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, PRP

Strategic Plan, Bennyfer Bridgewater, PRP

Youth Committee, Delores L. Shaw, PRP

“We must strive to be the most democratic, the most reasonable, the most honest, the most USEFUL, in fact, the best citizens in the community. For ours is a process for the good people of the best state; and he who best serves his State is the best citizen. To this end, usefulness should be our motto, and the love of rules of order shall govern us as we serve with ambitions the size of Texas!”

Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP 2024-2025 President, Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

Letter from the President

Dear TSAP Members and Friends,

I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to each of you as we embark on a new year of collaboration, growth, and achievement within the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians. It is an honor to serve as your President, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we unite under our new administration theme:

"Texas Strong: Ambitions the Size of Texas!"

Our theme, "Texas Strong: Ambitions the Size of Texas!" embodies the spirit of determination, resilience, and boundless potential that defines our great state. In the coming year, we will focus on leveraging our collective expertise to foster a dynamic and supportive environment for all parliamentarians. Through innovative training programs, engaging workshops, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to empower each member to reach new heights in their parliamentary proficiency and leadership skills.

Letter from the President

As we move forward, our goals are ambitious yet attainable. We plan to expand our outreach efforts to engage with diverse communities across Texas, ensuring that our association reflects the rich tapestry of our state. By doing so, we hope to inspire a new generation of parliamentarians who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead with integrity and excellence. Together, we will strengthen our association and make a lasting impact on the organizations and communities we serve.

“Wehopetoinspireanewgenerationof

parliamentarianswhoareequippedwiththeknowledge andskillstoleadwithintegrityandexcellence.”

– Fashika Willis McClelland

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the principles of parliamentary procedure. I am confident that with your support, we will achieve remarkable success and exemplify the true meaning of being "Texas Strong." Let us embrace this exciting journey with enthusiasm and pride, knowing that our ambitions are as vast and vibrant as the Lone Star State itself.

McClelland President, Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

Recap of the 69th TSAP Convention

by David Perez Hurley, TSAP Historian

The 69th Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) Convention was held in Spring, Texas Friday, April 26, 2024 through Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Cityplace Marriott at Springwood Village in Spring, Texas.

Delegate attendance: Delegates: 14 BOD, 2 MAL, 1 NAP Past President, 6 TSAP Past Presidents, 40 Delegates, and 63 Voting Strength.

The 2024-2025 Board of Directors are as follows: President Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP; Vice-President Edwin Miles, PRP; 2nd VicePresident Cherise Story, RP; 3rd Vice-President Omar Jimenez; Secretary Monica Isgren, RP; and Treasurer Heather Diehl, RP. To the 2023-2024 TSAP President Donna Mitchell, we thank you for all your inspiration and hard work in the 2023-2024 administration.

National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP)

President Alison Wallis, PRP, CP-T and NAP

District Six Director Lucy Anderson, PRP, CP-T were in attendance. They actively participated, which included rendering reports and presenting education sessions. It was an honor to have two strong national leaders engaging with our TSAP delegates.

We look forward to your attendance as a delegate at the 70th TSAP Convention in May 2025 under the leadership of 2024-2025 President Fashika Willis McClelland. Stay tuned to receive updates and news. 

69th TSAP Convention Award Winners

Parliamentarian of the Year: Edwin K. Miles, PRP

Outstanding Unit Program:

1st Place:

Flonnie Mae Larimer Parliamentary Unit

2nd Place: San Antonio Unit

Mace Award:

1st Place: The Bell Parliamentary Unit

2nd Place: San Antonio Unit

3rd Place: Barbara Jordan Unit of Parliamentarians

69th TSAP Convention Speakers

Alison Wallis, PRP, CP-T

Maya Smith, PRP

Lewis Vetter, PRP

Elliott Rogers, RP

Lucy Anderson, Esq., PRP, CP-T

Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP

The Convention Chair was Tonya Adkism who did an excellent job making sure the overall process flowed smoothly and took great care ensuring that even the smallest details were fulfilled. 

Educational Endowment Fund Update

by Michelyn Washington, PRP, TSAP EEF Chair

On behalf of the EEF Trustees Christina Picioccio and David Perez-Hurley; and TSAP treasurer Heather Diehl, RP ex-officio; we thank everyone who participated in this year’s fundraiser at the convention.

Over $1,300 was raised through general donations and silent auction/raffle proceeds which benefit parliamentary education endeavors. We sincerely thank the following units, members and companies who made donations to the silent auction and raffle:

o Alamo Registered Unit – Birthday Party in a Basket

o Bayshore Unit – Clean Mean Driving Machine

o Golden Triangle Unit – Life’s a Beach

o San Antonio Unit – Dig Texas

o The Bell Parliamentary Unit – Snack Attack

o The Sounding Block Unit – A Royal Celebration

o Texas Rangers – 2 baseball tickets

o Dallas Wings – 4 basketball tickets

o Book Donations from the estate of Donna Reed, PRP (former NAP president and TSAP President)

If you have any questions, please contact Michelyn Washington, PRP eefchair@texasparliamentarians.org

As a reminder donation and grant applications can be found on the TSAP website at https://texasparliamentarians.org/education-fund/ 

A YOUTHFUL SIGHT AT TSAP CONVENTION

by Tamesia L. Garner, VP, Flonnie Mae Larimer Parliamentary Unit

Congratulations to outgoing President Donna Mitchell, PRP and Convention Chair Tonya Adkism for a most successful TSAP Convention this year. The facility was fabulous, the educational sessions were second to none, and the networking/fellowship opportunities were phenomenal. At the Gala, we all learned that we clean up real good!!!

A new sighting at this year’s Convention was the attendance and participation of three youth parliamentarians. Thanks to the scholarships given by the TSAP Educational Endowment Fund and the Miles Family Foundation, three young adults were able to attend and be part of the festivities.

Mohith Gajjela is a high school student and served as timekeeper throughout the convention. He also led the anthems and pledges in the opening ceremonies. While Mohith is currently a MAL, he serves on the NAP Youth Committee and was elected as a member of the TSAP Nominating Committee for 2024— 2025.

A YOUTHFUL SIGHT AT TSAP CONVENTION

…Continued

Devon Prophet (pictured top left) attends Texas State University and is a member of the Bell Parliamentary Unit. During the convention, Devon read a courtesy resolution and participated in Kirk Overbey’s educational session with mock meeting situations.

Our final Youth attendee was Charles Zamora McNeese (pictured bottom left). Charles is a sophomore at the Debakey High School for Health Professions and is President of the Interact Club, where he is learning and using parliamentary procedures. He also was a participant in Kirk Overbey’s mock meetings session and served as Chair in his group.

As the Youth Committee Chair for 2023— 2024, having these three young adult’s attend our Convention was most heartwarming. It is only a first step towards including and growing our youth in the study and practice of parliamentary law.

Let’s double the youth attendees next year…What do you say? 

Parliamentary Procedure Insights

Objection to the Consideration of the Question: A Key Parliamentary Tool

by Fashika Willis McClelland, TSAP President

In the realm of parliamentary procedure, ensuring that meetings are conducted efficiently and productively is paramount. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) provides a robust framework for achieving this goal, with various motions designed to streamline discussions and decision-making processes. One such motion is the "Objection to the Consideration of the Question," a strategic tool that allows members to prevent debate on motions deemed irrelevant, inappropriate, or detrimental to the organization's interests.

Understanding the Objection to the Consideration of the Question

An "Objection to the Consideration of the Question" is a procedural motion used to avoid wasting the assembly's time on matters that are undesirable or irrelevant. This objection is unique because it interrupts the regular course of business immediately after a motion has been stated by the chair and before any debate begins. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the assembly's focus remains on pertinent issues and that meetings are conducted efficiently.

According to RONR, the objection must be made promptly. It can only be raised after the motion is stated by the chair and before any member has spoken to it. If debate has already begun, the opportunity to object to the consideration of the question is lost, and the assembly must address the motion through other procedural means.

Procedure for Raising an Objection

To raise an objection, a member does not need to obtain the floor but simply rises and states, "I object to the consideration of the question." This motion does not require a second, as it seeks to avoid debate entirely. Once the objection is raised, the chair must immediately put the question to a vote without allowing any debate on the objection itself. The chair states, "The consideration of the question has been objected to. Shall the question be considered?"

Parliamentary Procedure Insights

Objection to the Consideration of the Question: A Key Parliamentary Tool … Continued

A two-thirds negative vote is required to sustain the objection. This high threshold underscores the seriousness of preventing consideration of a motion and ensures that only motions with significant opposition are dismissed without debate. If two-thirds of the members vote against considering the motion, it is dismissed entirely and cannot be reintroduced in the same session. If the objection fails to achieve the necessary two-thirds vote, the motion proceeds to debate as usual.

Strategic Use and Considerations

Objection to the Consideration of the Question is a powerful tool, but it should be used judiciously. It is particularly effective for blocking motions that are frivolous, inappropriate, or disruptive to the assembly's goals. However, it should not be used to stifle legitimate debate or suppress minority opinions.

Members should be aware that this motion is not intended for use against motions simply because they are controversial or challenging. Healthy debate on difficult issues is a cornerstone of democratic decision-making. Therefore, objections should be reserved for cases where the motion at hand genuinely threatens the integrity or focus of the assembly's proceedings.

Conclusion

The Objection to the Consideration of the Question motion is an essential feature of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, providing a mechanism to keep meetings on track and focused on relevant issues. By understanding and appropriately utilizing this motion, members can help ensure that their assemblies operate efficiently, respecting both the time and the purpose of their gatherings. As with all parliamentary tools, its effectiveness lies in its judicious and informed application, maintaining a balance between efficient governance and democratic deliberation. 

Meet The 2024 TSAP Parliamentarian of the Year

Edwin K. Miles, PRP

Fun Facts about Edwin

Hobbies

 Golf

 Fishing

 Genealogy Research

 History

Favorite Travel Locations

 Scottsdale, AZ

 Lake Tahoe, NV

 Oahu, HI

Favorite Quote

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can.

– John Wesley

Edwin K. Miles is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian with the NAP 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 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.

As a member of the NAP and AIP, Edwin has served in the roles of Historian, nominating committee chair, bylaws committee chair, and is the newly elected First Vice-President of the TSAP. Edwin also serves 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 Vice-President 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 organizations, including the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce, the Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Vibrant Works. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Edwin has served on the Regional Board, Chairman of the Bylaws committee, and has served as the International Parliamentarian. 

TSAP News You Can Use!

TSAP To Deploy NEW ParliSearch Feature On The TSAP website

by Charles Bowles, DTM, PRP

TSAP Public Relations Chair, DFW Parliamentarians President

TSAP will be rolling out a new ParliSearch feature for TSAP PRPs and RPs in June.

Like Find-A-Parliamentarian on the NAP website, which is for an international audience and limited to PRPs, the TSAP ParliSearch feature will be open to PRPs and RPs to support TSAP’s credential members to practice their parliamentary skills in Texas.

“This feature will make it easier for the public to find a credentialed parliamentarian,” said TSAP President Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP. “TSAP wants to support its members to pursue their parliamentary goals.”

The search button will appear on the home page at Texasparliamentarians.org, as well as links in TSAP’s social media, and will open a form to enter search criteria. People looking for a parliamentarian can search by location, preferred types of parliamentary work, types of organizations served, among other criteria.

Credentialed members of TSAP will receive email instructions on how to apply using a member signup form on the site in the Member’s Resource menu.

The rollout will include different testing phases as small groups of members will access the form to enter personal information, including profile info, contact methods, and a personal photo.

Note that transactions in these searches are between a searcher and a parliamentarian and do not involve TSAP or NAP. A business relationship between a parliamentarian and client are private and any business arrangements are between the two parties. TSAP cannot see the transactions and will not be monitoring those business arrangements.

The new feature will be posted by the end of June and notices will introduce it publicly once a database of parliamentarians has grown sufficiently for general access.

This is a new opportunity for TSAP members to move into a world of parliamentary business through our own portal, whether as a volunteer or a professional parliamentarian. It’s a way to make the search for a Texas parliamentarian easier on the public and fair to credentialed members of TSAP. 

Fort Worth Unit Honors

Betty S. Green, PRP-R, CPP-T

For 50+ Years As “Parliamentarian Extraordinaire”

Submitted by Libby Willis

On Saturday, May 18, members of the Fort Worth Unit and special guests gathered at Arlington’s Rose Garden Tea Room for a luncheon honoring Betty S. Green, PRP-R, CPP-T for more than fifty years of her membership and contributions to the Fort Worth Unit and for her extraordinary career as a professional parliamentarian, parliamentary organization leader, and mentor to generations of parliamentarians.

Fort Worth Unit members with Betty S. Green: left to right: Dorothy Rencurrel, Cindy Rocha, Libby Willis, PRP, Jo Ann Haedge, Unit President, Tobi Bray, Barbara Cager, Cissy Conley with Betty S. Green, seated.

Program and Cake honoring Betty S. Green, Parliamentarian Extraordinaire

Betty's two sons (Dr. Galen Green and his wife, Joyce Green of College Station, Texas; Glenn Green and his wife, Paula of Idaho; her granddaughter, Susan Richardson and her great-granddaughter, Rebecca Richardson, also of College Station, Texas) joined members to shower Betty with words of praise and gifts.

Chaired by Unit Vice President Libby Willis, PRP, the Betty S. Green Luncheon Committee of the Fort Worth Unit included Jo Ann Haedge, Unit president; Barbara Cager, Unit historian; Cissy Conley; and Cindy Rocha, Unit treasurer. The committee gathered congratulatory greetings for Betty (read at the luncheon) from Alison Wallis, NAP president; Dr. Robert M. Peskin, AIP president; former TSAP presidents Kathy Blair and Donna Mitchell; Gerry Woods, president of the Golden Gavel Unit; Nilda Rivera, president of the Betty S. Green Chapter of AIP; and Jim Slaughter, a past president of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers.

Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP, the newly installed president of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians was present to give Betty a resolution and offer remarks. Jodie Sanders, PRP, CP and Cindy Hinckley, PRP, members of the Golden Gavel Unit and founders of the Betty S. Green Chapter of AIP, were also present.

As the youngest member to serve as president of TSAP at the time of her election, Betty Green was also responsible for producing the TSAP logo (still in use today), is the registered agent of TSAP, and drafted the articles of incorporation for the organization.

Betty is also a past president of both the Fort Worth and Golden Gavel registered units. She is a past president of AIP and a past District 6 Director of NAP. Her professional career as a parliamentarian took her to conventions around the world where she served organizations such as the International Women Pilots Union and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She was one of the first parliamentarians to earn both the PRP and the CPP professional credentials. She is believed to be the only person who has a unit/chapter named in her honor in both NAP and AIP.

Fort Worth Unit gifts to Betty included an engraved crystal paper weight commemorating the day of the luncheon (whose theme was “Betty S. Green Parliamentarian Extraordinaire”), a framed copy of the luncheon invitation, and a scrapbook for her granddaughters to fill with mementos of the day.

The luncheon was truly a memorable event as the Fort Worth Unit honored our remarkable member for her career as an extraordinary parliamentary procedure practitioner, leader, teacher, and mentor. NAP President Alison Wallis wrote that Betty is a “bright Texas star”; Past TSAP President Kathy Blair wrote that Betty “is a blessing to us all”; Jim Slaughter wrote that Betty is “a parliamentarian's parliamentarian.” And indeed, she is. 

Betty S. Green (center) with her family. Left to right: Paula and Glenn Green; Betty; Paula and Dr. Galen Green, Susan Richardson, Betty's granddaughter; front is Rebecca Richardson, Betty's great-granddaughter

TSAP President Fashika Willis McClelland presented a resolution to Betty S. Green

Heather Diehl, RP

TSAP

Treasurer

Privileged Motions

Find the following: FIX THE TIME TO ADJOURN, ADJOURN, RECESS, QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE, and ORDERS OF THE DAY

It seems our parliamentarian is flustered! We overheard him whisper, “Madam President, I implore you to adopt a new rule… No more puns during debates. They're causing too much 'division' among the delegates!"

Parli-Jokes

Fellow Parliamentarians,

Editor’s Corner

Welcome to my first submission for the Editor’s Corner, a.k.a. Coop’s Cooper. I am highly honored to serve as editor of the TP, for which I express my gratitude to President Fashika Willis McClelland and to the TSAP Board of Directors. I also thank my predecessor, Pamela Harmon for showing me the ropes.

While we embark on this journey representing the theme: "Texas Strong: Ambitions the Size of Texas!", let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of parliamentary procedures which I consider foundational for leadership in multiple facets of life. Based on that premise, leadership quotes will be featured here in “Coop’s Cooper”, and I invite members to submit your favorite quotes for consideration. Proper credit will be attributed for each submission selected.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell

Maxwell is a renowned leadership guru, so it is fitting to start with one of his sayings. I believe this quote encapsulates the essence of leadership that we strive to embody as parliamentarians.

To submit articles, leadership quotes, or even Parli-Jokes for consideration, reach me by email at editor@texasparliamentarians.org. Subject lines should read TSAP news for seamless searchability. The deadline for our next edition is August 15th.

We are Texas Strong, so let’s continue paving the trail for the advancement of parliamentary excellence!

Ramsey J. Cooper, MBA, RP Editor, Texas Parliamentarian