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.

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!

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

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 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!