Today's DAR
I originally became a parliamentarian when I was State Vice Regent, and realized I didn’t really know as much as I should about running a meeting using proper parliamentary procedure. With the goal of being elected State Regent I joined parliamentary organizations. Then, I studied, passed examinations and credentialing, and became involved at different levels of local, state and national parliamentary organizations.
My background in law enforcement also makes it a good fit for my role as National Parliamentarian. While some argue that parliamentary procedure is too restrictive, confining, and hard to understand, I try to explain it is liberating and orderly. Robert Rules of Order (emphasis on order) helps organizations run orderly business meetings, allowing themselves to accomplish their work while protecting the rights of the members. In a deliberative organization, such as DAR, it is the member who affects decisions through the process of motions, debate, and a vote – and every member is equal. I also enjoy sharing and teaching parliamentary procedure because I believe every member needs to know her rights.
