Texas Parliamentarian - June 2023

Texas State Association of Parliamentarians

Are you ready to step outside the box and dream beyond possibilities? Do you believe that we can do great things? Are you willing to keep going because there are no limits on what we can achieve? I believe in you and I believe in us, hence our 2023-2024 theme is "Dream. Believe. Achieve." I invite you, I challenge you and I ask you to embrace this theme with me and our board so that we can soar to greater heights.

Donna M. Mitchell, PRP TSAP President

It is my honor to serve as the president of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians and continue the great work of our past board of directors. They have laid a solid foundation and I take pride in moving forward the legacy of this association. The privilege is mine to be surrounded by an amazing group of men and women, your board of directors, who are committed to having a stellar year and uplifting the message that "Members, Matter, Most."

The educational opportunities will be many as we reintroduce our monthly Parli workshops that will occur on the third Thursday. Join us and engage in the fun! In August we will offer our NAP membership exam summer series for those who want to elevate their knowledge and level up to becoming a member of NAP/TSAP. Lastly, our Houston area units are planning a wonderful MidWinter training conference that will be held on January 27, 2024 and our convention chair is trailblazing our 69th TSAP Convention to be held on April 26-28, 2024 in Spring, TX. Don’t forget to save the dates!

My presidential tour of Texas units is off to a great start! I started in the Dallas area with a virtual meeting and will continue to visit units throughout the summer. From Austin to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, our connections are far and wide. It is with joy that I personalize these connections and speak directly with our members. I am thrilled that you will share our journey as we “Dream. Believe. Achieve” and continue the legacy of parliamentary excellence in the state of Texas. Let’s sail.

Calling all new TSAP members! If you joined TSAP between April 2022 and present you are cordially invited to attend the first ever President's New Member Welcome Reception to be held virtually on June 27, 2023, 7pm-8pm CST. Watch your email for the zoom link.

We are enthused about the next steps of your journey with the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) and will provide an overview of TSAP and answer any questions/concerns you may have. We look forward to engaging with you.

Dawn of a New Day Dawn of a New Day Dawn of a New Day

Donna M. Mitchell, PRP TSAP President

It was the dawn of a new day as the 2023-2024 Board of Directors held their first official meeting together. Much of the administrative and standard business needed to continue the effective running of our organization were adopted. However, the icing on the cake was when the board convened for their executive retreat a time of laughter, fun and getting to know one another. Many great ideas were shared, brainstorming for the upcoming year was in full effect and the competitive nature of your board was ignited.

Our theme of “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” remained at the center of conversation as we promoted the implementation of successful programs and events for the upcoming year. Your board is off to a great start and is enthusiastically moving forward! We look forward to you sailing with us.

Fashika Willis-McClelland, PRP First Vice President

Constance Barron Wilson, PRP Second Vice President

Donna Mitchell, PRP President

Cherise Story, RP Third Vice President

Bennyfer Bridgewater, PRP Recording Secretary

Heather C. Diehl, RP Treasurer

Appointed Officers

Standing Committee Chairmen

Edwin K. Miles, PRP Bylaws

Tamesia Garner

Diana Alcocer Historian

Howard Redmond, RP Nominating

Kirk Overbey, PRP Board Parliamentarian

Omar Jimenez Procedure Handbook

Tonya Adkism Convention

Charles P. Bowles, RP Public Relations

Pamela Harmon, PRP Editor

TSAP Convention Highlights

The 68th Convention of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians was held April 28-30, 2023 at the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel in Irving, Texas

Theme:

Proficiency Through Education and Innovation

Enjoy the convention photos!

Michelyn Washington, PRP Board of Trustees Chairman

David Perez Hurley Trustee

Christina Picioccio Trustee

Congratulation to our 2023-2024 TSAP officers

President - Donna Mitchell, PRP

First Vice President - Fashika Willis McClelland, PRP

Second Vice President - Constance Barron-Wilson, PRP

Third Vice President - Cherise Story, RP

Recording Secretary - Bennyfer Bridgewater, PRP

Treasurer - Heather C. Diehl, PRP

District Six Director, Lucy Anderson J.D., PRP, CP-T, performed the installation of officers

Current and Former TSAP Presidents

Most Outstanding Unit Program:

1st place - The Sounding Block Unit

2nd place - Flonnie Mae Larimer Parliamentary Unit

3rd place - San Antonio Unit

Golden Mace Award:

1st place - The Sounding Block Unit

2nd place - Gulf Coast Unit

3rd place - Fort Worth Unit

Libby Willis, PRP

Libby Willis, PRP has demonstrated continuous outstanding contributions to the promotion, education and understanding of Parliamentary procedure. She has gone above and beyond to promote the advancement of TSAP, increase membership and encourage learning of parliamentary procedure in local communities and beyond.

Libby has served as unit president and as the bylaws chair of the TSAP Board of Directors giving of her time and talents. She presented parliamentary law to outside groups and during the TSAP monthly parliamentary workshops. She also contributed to the Texas Parliamentarian through writing an article.

In addition, her commitment to her unit, while serving as President when no one else would, led them through Covid-19 through the usage of Zoom meetings and Zoom Parliamentary Law Workshops. She was the educational presenter for 5 out of the 10 monthly meetings held by her unit.

Libby is a wonderful example of a Professional Registered Parliamentarian who is always willing to share her knowledge and expertise of parliamentary law and the use of the current RONR. She has inspired many of her local members to become regular members of the National Association of Parliamentarians.

But, what sets her apart is that not only does she promote parliamentary excellence within TSAP she

1. Is also the editor of the Parliamentary Journal of the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP). In 2022 she produced and edited issues which included expert articles on parliamentary procedure and opinions on questions posed to the AIP Opinions Committee.

2. Has completed four years of service to the State Democratic Executive Committee as chairman of the SDEC Rules Committee where she led the 21-member committee to establish many notable rules including those for the first ever online Texas state political party convention

3. Is a consultant for homeowners associations, Tarrant County Democratic organizations and various nonprofits in North Texas.

Libby continues to leave a footprint of parliamentary excellence and mentorship while extending parliamentary training to those who are willing to learn. Congratulations Libby Willis, PRP our 2023 Texas State Parliamentarian of the Year!

Results from the 2023 TSAP Convention

TSAP Bylaw Amendments TSAP Bylaw Amendments TSAP Bylaw Amendments

Results from the 2023 TSAP Convention

THANK YOU, BYLAWS COMMITTEE

Dear Unit Dear Unit Dear Unit Presidents Presidents Presidents

Diana Alcocer TSAP Historian

Our new year has begun! It’s time to begin documenting your unit’s activities and programs. Please send me a copy of your monthly agendas, programs, pictures of your meetings, workshops, activities, etc. Send them to me at historian@texasparliamentarians org I look forward to receiving your information and documenting the 2023-2024 TSAP history!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Learning Opportunities Learning Opportunities Learning Opportunities

Connie Barron-Wilson, PRP 2nd Vice President

Monthly Workshops Series. The Monthly Parliamentary Procedure Workshop Series and Study Sessions (ParliStudy Session) are back! The Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) workshops will start on June 15, 2023, at 6:30 pm. Please note the monthly series change to the 3rd Thursday of the month. TSAP will ignite your studies with this series and workshops.

Come one, come all, it’s Free! Yes, I said FREE! The monthly workshops are free and it can enhance your parliamentary studies. Remember sharing is caring! Please share this information with other interested persons.

Become a Member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. During the month of August, the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (TSAP) will facilitate four study sessions on how to become a member of NAP taught each Tuesday of the month for four weeks. On the 5th Tuesday, a test will be administered. TSAP is giving you a chance to DREAM, BELIEVE and ACHIEVE your goal of becoming a member of NAP which will be a nominal registration fee of $20 dollars. See payment options below. All payments are due by July 30, 2023.

Payment Options

#1: Mail a check to Heather Diehl at: 8103 Seldon Trail, San Antonio, TX 78244. Check should be payable to TSAP.

#2 Do a bank to bank transfer through Zelle. Send payment to treasurer@texasparliamentarians.org There is no fee assessed. Please put your name in the comments section of the transaction and identify what the payment is for. A zelle barcode is included for your convenience.

#3 Use your credit or debit card through Square. Note: a Square service fee will be assessed. The square link will be provided via email to the membership.

We Make a Difference We Make a Difference We Make a Difference

Tamesia Garner Youth Committee Chair

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Did you even know? Every day, in various ways, we each make a difference just by living our lives. I am inviting you to make a difference in the lives of students across our state.

But Tammy, that sounds like a TALL ORDER! Well, IT IS!!But I believe the young people in our state are worth our time and influence. We are parliamentarians…and we are a rare breed. AND, WE MAKE A DIFERRENCE every time we apply our craft. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I see a world where young students are introduced to parliamentary law and the difference learning how to use rules of order will make in their lives.

1.They will learn how to organize and manage a meeting. That one skill will impact everything a person does throughout the rest of their lives.

2.They will be able to establish esprit de corps in the groups they participate in because they understand the voice of the minority is to be considered and respected.

3.Students who learn parliamentary law will be our next leaders…and knowing how to operate within a standardized set of rules develops those skills.

I challenge each Unit in TSAP to work with young students this year. Find a group of young people and try to get them organized into a Youth Unit. Invite the students that are already competing in parliamentary competition events to your Unit meetings so they can see how real parliamentarians operate…may well enhance their performance for the year. LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE this year!

Educational Endowment Educational Endowment Educational Endowment Fund Update Fund Update Fund Update

Michelyn Washington, PRP EEF Chair

The Educational Endowment Fund (EEF) committee welcomes two new trustees, David PerezHurley and Christina Picioccio along with TSAP treasurer Heather Diehl, RP who is the ex-officio committee member. The committee thanks Kirk Overbey, PRP for his service as a trustee and committee chairman and Lewis Vetter, PRP who is the outgoing TSAP treasurer.

In April 2023 the committee provided a grant in the amount of $1,250 to The Sounding Block Unit to assist them in establishing a youth parliamentary unit. We would like to thank TSAP/NAP members who made donations totaling over $2,500 through convention registration donations and silent/live auction proceeds.

We would like to thank the following units, members and companies who made donations to the silent/live auction:

Landmark Parliamentary Unit

Bayshore Unit

The Sounding Block Unit

Park Hill Studios

Golden Gavel Registered Unit

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

As a reminder donation and grant applications can be found on the TSAP website at https://texasparliamentarians.org/education-fund/ If you have any questions, please contact Michelyn Washington eefchair@texasparliamentarians.org

Audit Committee,

Parliamentarian Classifieds Parliamentarian Classifieds Parliamentarian Classifieds

Committees are the lifeline of any organization. TSAP has several committees and officer positions which need to be filled. As a member of TSAP, think about your talents and how you can assist us with elevating our association. It will take a village of members to continue the level of visibility that we strive to maintain. We need you on our team. Will you join us in this endeavor? Please reach out to the contact person to obtain additional details about each open position or committee.

Historian Unit Liaison - Seeking members of each unit to serve as a liaison to keep the historian informed of your unit activities. The liaison will send the historian photos, articles, newsletters or the like so that she can include your unit events in the end of year historical and pictorial write-up. Information will be gathered monthly for a more efficient management of time and efforts. Contact Historian Alcocer at historian@texasparliamentarians.org

Yearbook Director - Prepare and distribute the TSAP yearbook which consists of contact information for all TSAP members that is derived from the NAP membership roster; Skills needed: proficient with excel and word. Contact President Mitchell at president@texasparliamentarians.org

Strategic Planning Director - Work with the committee to identify critical strategic issues facing TSAP, analyze membership status and growth; and develop, implement, and monitor a five-year strategic plan with measurable goals and time targets. Contact President Mitchell at president@texasparliamentarians.org.

Youth Committee Member - Diversify our membership demographic by assisting the Youth chair with recruiting young adults who are in college, universities, and trade schools. Contact Youth Chair Garner at tamesia@gmail.com

Social Media Specialist - Seeking two or more members to serve on the PR committee to manage the posting of our social media content. Contact PR Chair Bowles at cpb99099@gmail.com

One person to be responsible for maintaining the content on Facebook social media platform.

One person to be responsible for maintaining the content on Linkedin social media platform.

GoodNews

Congratulations on passing your Congratulations on passing your Congratulations on passing your membership exam and welcome to TSAP! membership exam and welcome to TSAP! membership exam and welcome to TSAP!

(Members as of May 31, 2023) (Members as of May 31, 2023) (Members as of May 31, 2023)

Karen Martin

Natashia Miller

Dee Perkins

Yolanda Prier

Jaquetta Clemons Davis

Adrienne Coburn

Cynthia Bursey

Chana Mason

Patsy Newborn

Julie Avedikian

Sherrie Jackson

Kim Jermany

Drew Kennedy

Jonya Watts

Just for Fun Just for Fun Just for Fun

Answers on last page

Mark Your Calendar Mark Your Calendar Mark Your Calendar

September 6-10, Atlanta, Georga

https://nap.users.membersuite.com/events/3 206a755-0078-cc88-6abd0b45369b48e2/details

NAP Biennial Convention

Just for Fun Answers Just for Fun Answers Just for Fun Answers

Event Calendar Event Calendar Event Calendar

June 23-24, 2023 - District Six Convention, League City, Texas

June 27, 2023 - President's New Member Welcome Reception, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

August 1,8,15,27, 2023 - TSAP Summer Membership Exam Series - 6:30 p.m.

August 25, 2023 - Submission Deadline for September 2023 Texas Parliamentarian

August 25-26 - NAP Leadership Conference (Virtual)

September 6-10, 2023 - NAP Biennial Convention, Atlanta, Georgia

April 26-28, 2024 - TSAP 69th Annual Convention, Spring, Texas

The Texas Parliamentarian is published quarterly by the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians in the months of June, September, December, and March. To submit articles, address changes, or make comments, contact editor Pamela Harmon at Editor@TexasParliamentarians.org.

Delivery Preference: You may receive the newsletter by postal mail rather than email. Contact the editor with the desired mailing address. If you know of someone who is not receiving the newsletter by mail or email, contact the editor.