According to General Henry M. Robert, “It is difficult to find another branch of knowledge where a small amount of study produces such great results in increased efficiency in a country where the people rule, as in parliamentary law.”¹ But how should a novice go about doing that “small amount of study” to achieve “such great results in increased efficiency?” What is the logical entry point for learning about parliamentary procedure in today’s world?

One option for the self-directed learner is to purchase a copy of Robert’s Rules Of Order Newly Revised In Brief and get cracking. This inexpensive and practical book provides an excellent introduction to the topic, and even includes suggested chapters if the reader has only 30, 45, or 90 minutes before his or her upcoming meeting! But this option really only works well for those who prefer to learn from a book—and for an inherently social subject like parliamentary procedure, it will only get the reader so far.

Another option is to find an introductory or beginner course in parliamentary procedure offered by the continuing education department of a local community college or public school board, or some other educational agency. Such a course should cover roughly the same material as the book specified above, and should include practical group exercises.

A third option is to join a local unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians. These units are located in various cities throughout the United States, but there are very few in Canada. Units typically accept beginners as provisional members, and provide inexpensive or free educational programming to those individuals. The expectation is that a provisional member will study enough to pass the NAP membership exam, and become a full member of NAP and the unit. This expectation may seem daunting to a complete novice, but it need not be.

Ultimately, General Robert’s “small amount of study” will mean something different to every student. For some, the first 30 minutes spent reading RONR in Brief will have to suffice. For others, it will mean attending a course on parliamentary procedure offered by a local school or NAP unit. For others still, it will mean passing the NAP membership exam. Each of these students will benefit from the “great results in increased efficiency” that come from such study, every time he or she attends or chairs a democratic meeting. But, as can be expected, those who go furthest in their study will achieve the greatest benefit.

1. RONR (10th ed.), p. v [↩]