The Strata Corporation's Annual General Meeting had not gone well. Many people left the three-hour meeting feeling both confused and frustrated with both the decisions made and the process used in the meeting.

The next morning, Bill, a member of the Strata Council met, over a cup of coffee, in informal discussion with a representative of the Property Management firm and two other members of Council.

"What went wrong?" He asked. "We planned meticulously and utilized our best communication skills. Yet, confusion seemed to reign throughout the evening. Tempers were short. Accusations long, and many people seemed to be impatient with the process and anxious to establish blame early in the evening."

Mary said, "I think that for next year's Annual General Meeting, we consider using the services of a Registered Parliamentarian."

"What is a Registered Parliamentarian?" asked Bill.

Michael, a new comer to Council said, "I have a colleague, who is a Registered Parliamentarian. They understand Robert's Rules of Order and know how to use these rules in running various types of meetings. In fact," Michael volunteered, "A Registered Parliamentarian is the President's and the members comfort blanket, confidant and rules expert. A good Parliamentarian uses tact, discretion, and fairness and is prepared to step into minefields to direct the Presiding Officer and the assembly to safety. They are good listeners, succinct and competent in the Strata Corporation's, Bylaws and Rules of Order. The Parliamentarian anticipates problems, is unbiased and does all of these things without being a member of our Strata Corporation.

A Registered Parliamentarian can also be very helpful when asked to step into the Chair for a particularly challenging part of the meeting, when the needs of the organization can be better served by utilizing an independent Chairman."

"How do we learn more?" asked Mary. "Where can we find a Registered Parliamentarian?" The Property Manger volunteered, "They have a list of Registered Parliamentarians at the White Rock-Surrey Condominium Association of BC."

"Well let's get that list NOW! And begin planning for next year's Annual General Meeting," said Bill.

Telephone 604.725-8081 to obtain the names of Registered Parliamentarians in your area.