Issuu

Letter from the President

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

Dear TSAP Members and Friends,

As the warmth of summer gradually gives way to the vibrant hues of fall, I am thrilled to reconnect with each of you through this latest edition of our quarterly newsletter. It has been an honor to serve as your President, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication, passion, and talent that defines our Texas State Association of Parliamentarians.

The past months have been a period of tremendous growth and learning for our association. We have seen remarkable participation in our training programs and workshops, each contributing to our shared goal of mastering parliamentary procedure. Our theme, "Texas Strong: Ambitions the Size of Texas!" has served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together, and I am proud of the progress we've made.

As we move into the latter half of the year, our focus remains on fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment for all members. We are committed to broadening our outreach, engaging with diverse communities across Texas, and

Letter from the President

ensuring that our association continues to reflect the rich diversity of our state. This is a pivotal moment for us, as we work to inspire a new generation of leaders who will carry forward the principles of integrity, excellence, and parliamentary proficiency.

“Wearecommittedtobroadeningouroutreach, engaging withdiversecommunitiesacrossTexas, andensuringthatourassociationcontinuestoreflect therichdiversityof ourstate.”

– Fashika Willis McClelland

Looking ahead, our plans are as ambitious as ever. We will continue to innovate in our educational offerings, providing opportunities for all members to enhance their skills and knowledge. At the same time, we will strengthen the bonds within our association, creating a supportive community where every member feels valued and empowered.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more vibrant TSAP. Let us embrace the opportunities ahead with the same determination and pride that has brought us this far, knowing that our ambitions are truly as vast and vibrant as the Lone Star State itself.

President, Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

Engagement/Retention/Growth

Franceilia Bell Hamilton

Traci Jackson Davis

Debra Johnson

Vanessa Avila-Myers

Wynona Bonner

Mary Delancour

Dalana Guess

Lance Guess

Provisional TX-Texas Triangle

Marica Harris

Tamiko Henderson

Deandra Hughes

Pamela Lee

Provisional TX-Texas Triangle

Tiffany Taylor Lee

Andrika Wills

Provisional TX-Texas Triangle

Parliamentary Procedure Insights

Understanding Minority Reports in Parliamentary Procedures

By Ramsey Cooper, RP

When appointed or elected to a committee, a result produced is the “committee report”. However, if not all committee members agree, those with the minority opinion can petition to present a “minority report” which is the focus of this article

The Role of Committees

Before delving into the specifics of minority reports, it is essential to understand the function of committees within parliamentary procedures. Committees are smaller groups tasked with investigating, analyzing, or deliberating on specific issues. After thorough deliberation, a committee typically issues a report which reflects the consensus of a majority of its members (a fraction more than half). This report usually includes recommendations, findings, or proposed actions for the larger assembly to consider.

The Minority Report

According to RONR (12th ed.) 51:64, a minority report is “… the presentation of an expression of views in the name of a group of committee members not concurring with the committee report…” A minority report can emerge when less than a majority of the committee members disagree with the conclusions or recommendations prepared within the committee report. Hence, the minority group believes that their perspective is significant enough to be documented and presented to the larger body, offering an alternative view on the matter under consideration.

How Minority Reports Are Used

RONR (12th ed.) 51:69 explains, “when the minority of a committee wishes to make a formal presentation of its views, it is customary, unless the assembly refuses permission, to receive its report immediately after the report of the committee” This statement highlights a key characteristic of minority reports, in that they require permission before they can be presented. Therefore, the presentation of a minority report is a privilege that may be granted instead of a right that can be demanded. If denied for presentation, dissenting committee members still have all available options during debate on the committee report. However, if a minority report is approved for presentation, what follows are some general practices:

Parliamentary Procedure Insights

Understanding Minority Reports in Parliamentary Procedures

… Continued

1. Presentation to the Assembly: It is the duty of the committee to present a report to the larger assembly. If a minority of committee members feel it to be necessary and if the assembly approves, a minority report may be presented immediately after the committee report and is considered a part of debate.

2. Debate and Discussion: The assembly’s primary focus is the committee report, which may have proposals that are moved for adoption. Counter proposals from a minority report can be raised during debate on main motions presented from the committee report. If convincing arguments are made, the assembly may amend the committee report’s recommendations with minority report proposals.

3. Public Record: Minority reports become part of the official record of the proceedings. This can be valuable for historical documentation and for future reference, especially if the issue becomes the subject of further scrutiny.

Challenges and Criticisms

While minority reports are valuable for ensuring diverse opinions are heard, they can also present challenges. In highly polarized environments, the existence of a minority report may deepen divisions and make consensus more difficult to achieve. Additionally, if the minority report is not well-argued or lacks factual support, it may be dismissed as obstructionist rather than constructive. An additional challenge documented in RONR (12th ed.) 51:71 is that “if committee members in the minority do not agree, the assembly can allow more than one minority report to be submitted”. For this reason, an overemphasis on the presentation of minority reports can become very time consuming.

Conclusion

Minority reports can be a vital part of parliamentary procedures, ensuring that dissenting voices are heard and documented. By providing an alternative perspective, they contribute to a more comprehensive and transparent decisionmaking process. Although they do not always change the outcome, minority reports play a crucial role in promoting accountability, encouraging debate, and representing the diversity of opinions within a parliamentary body.

The Texas Triangle Parliamentarians (TTP) held its inaugural NAP Membership Bootcamp to help spread the understanding of parliamentary procedure and provide training to those who aspire to take the membership exam. 30 new members were excited to connect in a virtual setting and engage in discussion that will enhance their professional and leadership skills. Participants ranged from men and women affiliated with sororities, fraternities, HOA's, school boards, and other organizations.

The unit support was overwhelming as President Maya Smith, PRP; Vice President Karen Baker Sonier and Membership Chair Jenita Thomas served as chat monitors to field participant questions. The training was facilitated by Donna Mitchell, PRP who serves as the unit parliamentarian and implemented by Chairman Tonya Adkism who also serves as the unit secretary.

TTP continues to have education as the forefront of their building blocks and looks forward to offering the next bootcamp session for the many who are interested in attending. If you are seeking another educational outlet, we invite you to attend our meetings and become a part of the TTP community where we are "Building a Foundation of Parliamentary Excellence".

Contact President Maya Smith, PRP at maya.smith@parliprinciples.com for details. 

Parliamentary Procedure Shines at Houston HOSA Conference

By Erica Courtenay-Mann, President Barbara Jordan Unit of Parliamentarians

This year's HOSA conference in Houston, Texas held from June 26th to 29th was a remarkable experience, filled with enthusiasm, learning, and a deep commitment to the health professions. It was so invigorating to see young students coming from far and wide across the nation to participate in the conference. Among the many events, the Parliamentary Procedure contest stood out as a highlight, showcasing the critical importance of structured and efficient decisionmaking in the health industry.

The Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) was privileged to be part of this event, and our members had the honor of judging the competition. It was a true pleasure to witness the participants' dedication and mastery of parliamentary procedure, which plays a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring fair and democratic processes in professional settings.

We were especially thrilled to have our past TSAP President, Donna Mitchell, among the judges. Her expertise and leadership in parliamentary procedure added a significant dimension to the competition. Marsha Thornton of the Sounding Block Unit also served as a judge. It was inspiring to see how these young health professionals are embracing parliamentary procedure, ensuring that this vital skill continues to thrive in various sectors of the health profession.

Parliamentary Procedure Shines at Houston HOSA Conference

Continued

The HOSA conference in Houston was not just an event; it was a celebration of the future of healthcare. The presence of parliamentary procedure in the competition reaffirms its relevance and importance across multiple areas of the health profession. We look forward to seeing these talented individuals carry these skills into their future careers, where they will undoubtedly make a positive impact. 

Financial Report

Heather Diehl, RP

TSAP Treasurer

Bring Back Motions

Find the following: TAKE FROM THE TABLE, RESCIND, RECONSIDER, AMEND SOMETHING PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED, and DISCHARGE A COMMITTEE

Answers for last quarter’s word search

Privileged Motions

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

Parli-Jokes

Why did the committee go to therapy? Because they couldn't handle their unresolved motions! What did the bylaws say when they were feeling ignored? "Don't forget, I'm fundamental!“

Editor’s Corner

Fellow Parliamentarians,

Being a parliamentarian is about leadership and true leadership is not merely knowing the rules; it involves influencing discussions with fairness, clarity, and respect, ensuring every voice is heard and decisions that are made with integrity.

"Leadership is not about title or position; it’s about influence and responsibility."

- James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner

I look forward to seeing everyone in September as we welcome members from across the nation to San Antonio, Texas for the National Training Conference! Many activities are planned for it to be a great time and excellent opportunity for learning. Whether you are a seasoned credentialed parliamentarian or a new member, there will be something for everyone. Let’s help make this NAP Training Conference a memorable and impactful experience for all!

As promoted by TSAP President Willis McClelland, We are Texas Strong (with) Ambitions the Size of Texas! In that spirit, may we continue striving together to embrace the vision and inspire others towards excellence in the implementation of rules of order!

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

Submit articles for the TP by email to editor@ texasparliamentarians.org Deadline for the next edition: 11/15/2024