Parliamentary Procedure Q&A

Q: If our constitution says all members running for office must be members in good standing, can a member on probation be allowed to run? There seems to be no question he has the right to vote. The member in question was suspended for 6 months with 1 year probation. Our constitution makes no mention of probation. - E.B., Oct. 25, 1999

A: Nor does RONR mention probation. The question you need answered is whether a probationer is a member in good standing.

Generally, probation is a period testing the probationer's character, conduct, or abilities. At the end of the probationary period, a formal determination is made whether to drop or suspend the probationer's membership, or discontinue or extend the probation.

Membership in good standing is somewhat less well defined, being subjectively that the members find him "in favor." Some organizations require that a member not be in arrears in dues and his membership not be in suspension. But what it may all come down to is whether your club considers probationers to be in good standing.

To codify your organization's decision, it may adopt a Special Rule of Order stating something like "Members on suspension or probation shall not be considered 'in good standing'," or, "Probationary members, but not suspended members, shall be considered members 'in good standing.'" The adoption of a Special Rule of Order requires a) previous notice and a two-thirds vote of those present and voting; or, b) a majority vote of the entire membership.


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