Parliamentary Procedure Q&A

Q: Our bylaws do not explain or define what is meant by "member in good standing." It says, "each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of members." And in another part it says, "Any Center Member in good standing will be eligible for appointment to the Board." And under Officers and their eligibility: "Officers shall have been members in good standing for a period of not less than (6) six months prior to election."

To me, I think the way it is worded, it only means a member cannot be a trouble-maker against the Center, nor someone who has done bad things around the assembly and other members. Of course the line about being a member at least 6 months prior to being able to run for an Office is really worded wrong, but I get it.

Isn't there some way for our organization to write a Special Rule of Order or something without amending the bylaws? The Board of Directors are all in favor of saying that to be "in good standing," a member must not have ever done wrong to the Center or its members, and never resigned from an office for any other reasons besides their health or family or if their dues are not paid.

I'm sorry I have rambled on so long, but it is hard to express my frustration because as Parliamentarian of the Center I am asked to define it often. The bylaws state under Bylaws Revisions, "Any changes or amendments to bylaws at a regular meeting of the Board or Membership that was not previously advertised publicly, shall require a unanimous vote of the members (in good standing) and voting to become effective. Please help me straighten this mess up. - Delores Nolan, Apr. 7, 1999

A: First, let me refer you to a similar question asked last November: What does "member in good standing" mean

I recommend that if your organization does adopt a Special Rule of Order defining "member in good standing," that that definition be objective; that is, that it mean the same thing to everyone. Phrases like "trouble-maker," "done wrong" and "done bad things" probably mean something different to every person who reads them. For example, is someone who always votes against a motion everyone else is in favor of, a trouble-maker? Some people might say yes; others, no. I'd also consider whether words like "ever" and "never" are wise, since a member may have made a mistake years ago but is now a model member.

Instead, I suggest facts that are verifiable, such as:

A member is in "good standing" if

An objective definition will eliminate, rather than cause, confusion.

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