WHAT ARE WE? WHO ARE WE? WHY ARE WE? WHERE ARE WE? WHEN ARE WE?


http://faculty.washington.edu/jwilker/civicleader/index.html

The American Institute of Parliamentarians has several extensive certification programs, ensuring that members so designated have met the highest possible standards of parliamentary knowledge.
 

Certified Parliamentarian (CP)

An applicant for Certified Parliamentarian must obtain a grade of 80 or above on a written examination, and must earn 20 service points in areas such as Parliamentary Education, Service to AIP, and Professional Services.

The written examination contains multiple choice, short answer and essay questions on parliamentary procedures covered in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, The Standard Code of Procedure, and Cannon’s Concise Guide to Rules of Order.

For more information about AIP's certification program or to request exam applications, contact AIP headquarters, aip@parliamentaryprocedure.org.


Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP)

An applicant for Certified Professional Parliamentarian must be a Certified Parliamentarian in good standing, must obtain a grade of 90 or above on an oral examination, and accumulate an additional 30 service points.

The oral examination covers the current editions of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, Cannon's Concise Guide to Rules of Order, and Parliamentary Opinions II. Additional suggested reading is as follows: Parliamentary Law, Parliamentary Opinions I, Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law & Procedure, and Riddick’s Rules of Procedure

In addition to demonstrating a thorough knowledge of these manuals, the examinee must also demonstrate expertise in presiding.

Oral examinations are offered three times each year: at the Annual Session (July/August) , the Richard M. Lucas Memorial Practicum (January), and the Floyd M. Riddick Williamsburg Practicum (June).

For more information about AIP's certification program or to request exam applications, contact AIP at aip@parliamentaryprocedure.org.


Designated Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure (CP-T or CPP-T)

CPs and CPPs are eligible to apply for the teacher designation.

The Teacher Education Course is designed to improve the teaching skills of Certified Parliamentarians and Certified Professional Parliamentarians who teach workshops and classes on parliamentary procedure.

Along with other requirements, earning the teacher designation includes successfully completing an entire teacher course. Registered and Professional Registered Parliamentarians are invited to attend the class at the discretion of the AIP Board of Directors. The course is offered in odd numbered years and is taught by an especially qualified staff. The location varies.

Edited by author 03-22-2008 06:29 AM

A HISTORY EVERYONE SHOULD GET TO KNOW --


http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/45214.htm


Jazz Appreciation Month, Mathematics Awareness Month, National Poetry Month and Parliamentary Emphasis Month, just to name a few~~~~

http://www.reagan.ute...


From "couples appreciation month" - to - "volunteer appreciation month".


http://www.indepthinf...

http://www.wicn.org/e...

http://www.tvjs.org...

Good
site.

Checkout the: "212 Degree Challenge"


http://www.walkthetalk.com/free-212°-movie...purchase-p-206.html


Push one more degree!!!

Edited by author 01-10-2008 11:15 AM
LEADERSHIP * MANAGEMENT * EXECUTION

AIP members and guests, for those of you who may be interested in moving from a bureaucratic monster organization to a highly dynamic and revered powerhouse, be encouraged to read onward. This message is for all of you who want to be effective change agents and organizational reformers.

First and foremost, leaders must have followers; managers must have projects to manage; and execution requires a combination of each. For too long, most organizations tend to depend on one person 'or' a small group of people who attempt to do everything, themselves. In most cases, there is more work to do, than can be effectively done by one person 'or' a few.

Volunteers are great, if and only if they follow through on what they agree on or agree to do. The same is true, for employees. A good mix of selected individuals (i.e, employees and/or volunteers) whose work habits are known is essential to meeting the goals and objectives of any planned project, process or proposed activity.

Good leaders must put all adopted tasks, commitments and deadlines in writing. Thank you notes, are also relevant, in communicating to employees and volunteers. Good managers must be attentive, ask open ended questions, demonstrate interest and understanding, as well as, observe, clarify and act on non-verbal cues.

And lastly, dont' forget about follow-up meetings to assess task updates, in the event modified actions may be necessary to correct any concerns or related issues that may preclude the completion of a project or activity. Good leaders and managers can only execute all tasks at hand by defining and incorporating the team's ground rules upfront.

Active listening is the greatest attribute required by everyone (i.e., leaders, followers, managers, employees and volunteers). Active listening builds trust, cooperation and conformity. It is very important that the entire team engages in active listening.

Edited by author 12-02-2007 05:29 PM
Fear Sells, But, It Takes Multiple Successes For People To Buy Into Courage

For most people, money and power are not random acts of nature, money and power are actually conscious pursuits of most people, in an organization and a society. Wouldn't you agree, that most people depend on others to persuade or tell them "what is good" and "what is evil"?

Fear also perpetuates "benign neglect". Benign neglect runs the spectrum from neglecting the poor to neglecting the truth. This kind of neglect (i.e., benign neglect) welcomes "plausible denial" and "strategic non-involvement".

Here's the punch line for buying into a courage decison over a fear final resolution: 1) why would anyone buy into fear?, 2) could it have anything to do with a lack of education?, 3) could it have anything to do with a lack of personal responsiblity?, 4) if no one responds to this courage decision over fear final resolution, what then?, 5) what say most people, next?, 6) do most people register any say?, and 7) does a courage decision over a fear final resolution reside in human ethics or something else?

What would good parliamentarian's buy and sell? Fear or courage? Human ethics or something else? Emotion or Logic?

ONLY A FEW THINGS IN LIFE ARE WORTH THEIR WIEGHT IN GOLD. THIS IS WHY MORE PEOPLE NEED TO BEGIN TAKING AN ADDED SELF-INITIATIVE, ABOVE AND BEYOND THE NORM.


There comes a time to stop dithering and actually making a solid decision to put a new plan into motion. Is the plan sanctioned? By whom? What does the top dog say? A good and sound plan of attack will answer the following questions:

Who is going to help put this plan into action? Support is essential, but not the save all. All decisions should be geared toward what will be in the organizations' best interest.

How will the plan address the need? Make sure everyone knows the "big picture". The plan must be achievable and believable.

What are the specific tasks and objectives of this particular project? The project will need to be staffed. Deadlines will need to be met, on time. Leaders & supporters will need to determine what responsibilities and roles, each of them will play. Everybody will need to know the importance of doing their part, and map out a proposed strategy, with contingencies.

How will success be measured? There should always be a target completion date. In addition, each leader and supporter needs to know, what constitutes success in their minds, and what constitutes failure. Moreover, everyone actively participating need to understand what will happen in the case of either success or failure.

How will expectations be managed? They will be managed by the leader who has agreed to be responsible for the administration and supervision.

Will these expectations be high or low? If the leader's expectations are high, the level of importance for these prospects will also be high.

The benefits of taking an added self-initiative pretty much comes down to the shared rewards.

Some say, dogs can smell fear, but what about people? People tend to "sniff out" genuine pursuits versus selfish ambitions.

Always consider the need for an alternative plan. Plan regular progress reviews, and remember: all actions taken -- don't require permission!

The Value of Membership Loyalty --

Membership management and leadership carries a very high value of service and duty to any organization. What does such similar management and leadership responsibilities mean within AIP?

This is a very important question for any member to ask themselves prior to joining any organization. Membership management and leadership is often viewed incorrectly and without full and thorough understanding.

The value of membership loyalty is an absolute organizational mindset. This mindset can be evaluated by looking at three different aspects of an organization: its cultural centricity, its business decisions and its partnership relationships.

60% of a membership "management and leadership" strategy revolves around the people internal and external to that "particular' organization. What is the attitude of the leadership toward the membership? What is the attitude of the membership toward the leadership? Are they on the same wavelength or not? AIP Region 5 is changing from a 'commodity centric' mindset to that of being more 'cultural centric'.

30% of a membership "management and leadership" strategy should deal with changes or enhancements in the relationship ethics individuals choose to use to interact with each other in fulfilling decided requests. If these similar relationship processes are inefficient, no membership "management or leadership" strategy will eliminate any of these inefficiencies. In our case, as a part of AIP Region 5's implementation methodology, we must re-evaluate what we do, why we do it, and how we must do it, differently now, and in the not to distant future.

10% of membership "management and leadership" strategy is about our partnership relationships. If the first two characteristics are not adequately addressed, our partnering relationship will surely not bring any benefit to our organization. Member's within AIP Region 5, will sooner than later realize that once the necessary transformations are made in rebuilding the loyalty of our members (i.e., old and new), our cultural and business connections, will then merge with our partnership affiliations, thus becoming 100% more efficient in all aspects of our loyalty to our cause and subsequent benefits.

This is the value of membership loyalty. This is the total membership relationship that will begin to grow between the members, the potential members, and the leadership, of AIP Region 5.

AIP Region 5 must leverage the talents and ideas of every member and every officer. This, in turn, will increase member satisfaction, as well as, bolster more loyalty throughout the organization, at the same time.

Loyalty is what drives referral behavior and propels organizational growth.

Membership participation and involvement, for all members and volunteers, is a validation of AIP's relevance in today's democracy. But, is that democracy really a monarchy 'or' an oligarchy currupted by tyranny?

Increasing more participation and involvement generally eases the strain of organizational leadership. With increased volunteer participation and involvement, leader's can begin to lead by example 'versus' by following a co-leader, who doesn't have the organization's best interest, in mind.

Be advised of your responsibilities, as a member!

There are many who are not well advised. And just as many, who don't care, let alone stand around waiting for someone, to remind them of this unacknowledged fact of belonging.

One of the best means of communication within an organization is the use of that organization's many communication paths (i.e., ad hoc committees, board, conferences, electronic forum, email, meetings, newsletter, select programs, telephone and website).

Contributing articles and information of interest to others keeps the willing participants and volunteers interested and involved. Networking is another avenue for building lasting relationships, cultivating new one's and subsequently generating direct and indirect referrals.

Membership participation and involvement is maintaining contact, with others around us. Association is a part of life. Being a friend and making a friend, is a part of the same aspect of life.

Don't just stand for yourself, unite with others, and help make this world a better place.

REGION 5 -- MEMBERSHIP QUESTION(S)


Future directions for AIP Region 5, please weigh-in with your seasoned feedback and added input(s): (be encouraged to respond to these questions in this forum discussion format)

1. In our new fiscal year (i.e., 2007-08) what is your preference
     protocol for national, regional 'or' local inquiries, that you may
     have a need to raise to our elected officer's attention?

2. In this new millennium, as a new membership recruitment tool, would
     you be willing to encourage and support an e-grouping regular meeting
     concept and exchange, between interested members?

3. Participation in AIP national programs, do these national programs
     really interest any of you? (i.e., Practicums, Annual Sessions, ...)

4. Participation in AIP regional programs, do any of these regional
     programs really interest, any of you? (i.e, biennial conferences,
     conference planning, membership recruitment, chartering new chapters,
     signing up for regular parliamentary procedure classes, ...)

5. How many members, are not willing to travel out of state or out of
     territory to attend or participate in any regionally sponsored AIP
     activity? (Educational or business-wise)

6. How many members, are fully abreast of what's happening on the
     national AIP level? Regional AIP levels?

7. And finally, how many members, like what's happening on the national
     AIP level? Regional AIP levels?

And finally, if you would have preferred to see other question(s), herein, that were not asked, what question(s) would they be? Your elected officer's are very interested in knowing how we can better serve your needs, our members!

Edited by author 07-15-2007 12:13 PM
CONTACT US --

Individuals, associations, institutions, and corporations interested in improving their personal and professional knowledge and qualifications in parliamentary procedure are encouraged to contact us (i.e., AIP Region 5), especially, if you are located in the Southeastern United States, Peurto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our parent organization (i.e., the American Institute of Parliamentarians)sponsors the only International Annual Parliamentary Session, of its kind, in the world, and all AIP members are invited to attend.

AIP is also subdivided into eight distinct regions (i.e., seven of which, covers North America and the eighth representing our exteneded worldwide outreach).

Our region, AIP Region 5, sponsors a biennial conference for members and nonmembers, alike, offering added learning and networking opportunties to all who register and attend. We also promote local chapter involvement and learning activities, as well.

Be encouraged to contact us, because we believe we have the exact degree of excellence you should be looking for, when considering joining an association, like us. In the field of parliamentary practice, we promote a series of parliamentary objectives and goals for our members, and the general public, at large.

These objectives and goals are highlighted in our AIP Action Program.

Contact us, read all about us, visit our websites often, and join us, as a member 'or' simply as a guest, all are welcome.

FOLLOWING-UP ON AN EARLIER POSTING, HEREIN~~~~


Several month's ago I posted a new message about "How to be a better member". Picking up on that same idea, today I'm asking the same question's slightly differently, in a variety of different other ways~~~~~~

What can I do, to be a better member?

What can I do, to be a better leader?

What can I do, to be a better follower?

What can I do, to be a better example, of good membership?

What can I do, to be a better sport, about decisions not in agreement with my own?

What can I do, to be a better supporter of AIP?

What can I do, to be a better worker? Boss? Co-worker? Husband? Wife? Son? Daughter? Parent? Partner? ...?


In order to address these question(s) -- we need to challenge each other, others around us, and ourselves, to not only ask these same question(s) frequently, but repeatedly, to ensure that we are developing and fostering progress, in many of these directions~~~~~

Before any of us can become better, we have to listen better, mull-over these questions regularly, and thank other's more, for helping us to do better, in each of these example ways, outlined here~~~~~

At first, it will be difficult to respond accordingly, in a better fashion, when we have to relearn how to do something, we're not the best at, yet~~~~~ The key is to involve others, and actually put forth an effort to change~~~~~~

And lastly, we have to continually follow-up, as the need may dictate, and stick with it~~~~

Edited by author 06-08-2007 05:35 PM
Here are my farewell thoughts of our 18th Biennial Conference --

An agenda with a specified theme is what went into it. A gargantuan chain of results is what actually came out of it~~~~ Again, I encourage all reader's to consult our amended bylaws link, herein. A large portion of these targeted outcomes can be found, therein.

As your New Governor, of AIP Region 5, it is my responsibility to see that this chain of results are enforced and followed, as adopted. And with the membership's help, this will be our official commitment to each other, right?

In this spirit, let us begin the beguine~~~~ In order to do this, there are the leader's -- and the follower's. Which are we? Which do we wish to be?

And after all is said and done, may we applaud our accomplishments and celebrate our achievements, not because they were completed by one of us, but because these actions were realized by all of us, taking part in some form 'or' fashion~~~~~

Edited by author 05-08-2007 11:06 AM
In the advent of our 18th Biennial Regional Conference, I write --

This year's conference will be spectacular. It's unfortunate that many of our regional members will not be in attendance. But, that's life, and many of us are no longer in school.

Amazing as it will be, we still have much to learn about each other. Whether members of AIP 'or' not, the rules-of-order binds us~~~~ The rules-of-order should level our playing fields. Knowing what leverage we have, with each other, can make all the difference in the world.

It's important for everybody to know the "ground rules", so that we can properly play our parts, wherever we may be~~~~ There are many reasons why we do, what we do. There are also many reasons why we elect to participate in some things, and not participate in others.

Note: we can't play our parts, if others are not willing to play their parts equitably. And, what is equitably? Fairly? Rightfully? Justly?

Certainly, we can't be expected to support one another 100% of the time, in AIP, family matters 'or' timbuktu. There is at least 20% of us, who give and support AIP activities, conferences ..., and events, at least three months out every year, above and beyond our membership fees~~~~

Anyone who knows anything about parliamentary procedure knows that there is much more to it, than meets the eye. Mastering parliamentary methods is not all there is to parliamentary rules. There are always other ideas and decisions that remain to be made and applied.

This calls for common sense principles. You can't be too strict, all the time. You can't even be too easy-going half the time. Agreeing on a proportional balance, is key~~~~~

And that also goes for giving what you can, to support the organizations that you are affiliated with. Give when you can. And after you've given, then allow others to take the torch~~~~~

Edited by author 03-11-2007 08:05 PM

Character Trumps Formality for New Members, Lt. Governor Henderson Says


People care more about our character than anything else. And I'm speaking primarily in the context of, the attributes of a good parliamentarian. Character ranks the highest of all traits associated with our parliamentary profession.

Character to some parliamentarians, is like parliamentary procedure is -- to the general populous -- it's not important or valued at all~~~~~~

Honesty, integrity and other values of character is really what new members of AIP are looking for~~~~~~ Honesty is by far the most popular single trait, that most people outside of AIP is interested in~~~~~

The parliamentary profession is not just about helping individuals and others to get thru their meetings in a timely fashion, it is also about providing our many services to the masses, with honesty, integrity and empathy~~~~

The character test should be the litmus test for all parliamentarians, certified 'or' not-certified. Character matters!!!

Parliamentarians should be astute, compassionate and passionate about upholding all types of rules of order. Empathy for others is a winning quality trait~~~~~~

Character also crosses over into other areas, as well: looks, likability, vision, philosophy, ideology, biography, communication skills, strengths, ethics, optimism, among others.

Nobody's character is perfect, and that's an indisputable fact.