Parliamentary Procedure Made Simple

Based upon Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, this low-budget production is a little rough-looking but it offers a solid guide to conducting meetings in an orderly fashion. The first sixty minutes of the program covers over 30 topics ranging from "What Parliamentary Procedures Do" to "Voting on Motions and Amendments." An on-screen host introduces many of the subjects which are then illustrated by a dramatic skit. The program concludes with a complete meeting conducted according to Robert's Rules. All of the basics that would be necessary for getting a group up and running are covered here, and the video format is much more friendly than the rather dry reading of Henry M. Robert's reference classic. While clubs and organizations will surely want to have a print copy of the standard work on hand, the video, in teaching by example, is much more effective for getting a group started. Rather than passing the book back and forth between 20 people, the video can be watched simultaneously by all 20 and the group can begin conducting business according to Robert's Rules much more quickly. In addition, a time-coded index allows viewers to rapidly find a particular topic. A unique and much needed program. Recommended. (Available from: Robert McConnell Productions, 6018 West Hellis Drive, Muncie, IN 47304; (800) 532-4017.)