Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Revised Edition

Although Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised serves with distinction as the parliamentary authority, it too often seems intimidating and confusing to those who must use it. In this book, Jon L. Ericson seeks to clarify, not simplify, Robert’s Rules. He stresses that members of an organization must discover that they are not controlled by, but have a choice of—and may, in fact, even modify—the rules by which they are bound.

Ericson begins with the Order of Precedence, which he defines as the key concept in understanding and utilizing parliamentary procedure. He then uses a question-and-answer format in which a logical progression of essential parliamentary questions is explicitly answered, with a rationale for each rule. Throughout, he provides specific page references to Robert. Through these three elements, he makes classic doctrine intelligible and workable, leading the reader step-by-step through the rules and their applications and, in the process, reducing or removing the negative attitude held by many toward parliamentary procedure.

Jon L. Ericson conducts workshops and serves as convention parliamentarian throughout the country. He is presently the Ellis and Nelle Levitt Professor of Speech Communication at Drake University, where he has served as provost and has received numerous awards for both teaching excellence and for significant contributions to the university community.