Is there one…why not? Why would one be helpful? Might a parliamentarian have helped before and during the impeachment proceedings? What is Robert’s Rules of Order?

A parliamentarian is a consultant who advises the presiding officer and other officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure. Parliamentarians are frequently used to assist with procedure during conventions and board meetings. Such advisors often turn long, difficult meetings into short, painless ones.

A parliamentarian can provide many additional useful services outside of an annual convention, including: Train officers and committee chairs; Conduct parliamentary workshops for local presidents and members; Supervise credentials and elections; Preside over particularly contentious meetings; Provide formal parliamentary opinions; Create or revise bylaws; and Advise on parliamentary tactics and strategy.

Robert’s Rules of Order provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language. The conduct of all business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership – the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Complementary is the right of at least a strong minority to require the majority to be deliberate – to act according to its considered judgment after a full and fair “working through” of the issues involved. Robert’s Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should “undue strictness” be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.

I have served as SGA Parliamentarian in the past (1999 – 2000) and am currently the president of the Graduate Student Organization, president of Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society (Hofstra Chapter), advisor of C. I. A. O., and Associate Director of Information Systems for Financial Aid. I have privately offered my services as Parliamentarian and now do so publicly.

Sincerely,Vincent Perniciaro