{"id":20430,"date":"2024-11-04T13:29:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T21:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/?page_id=20430"},"modified":"2025-01-30T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T18:24:10","slug":"empowering-youth-through-parliamentary-procedure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/volunteer-resources\/youth-friendly-parliamentary-procedure\/empowering-youth-through-parliamentary-procedure\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Youth Through Parliamentary Procedure"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-hero wsu-width--full wsu-pattern--wsu-light-radial-left  wsu-hero--style-boxed \">\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__background\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fill\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/4H_Grows_Logo.jpg\"\n\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/4H_Grows_Logo.jpg 1313w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/4H_Grows_Logo.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/4H_Grows_Logo.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/4H_Grows_Logo.jpg 768w\"\n\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1313px) 100vw, 1313px\"\n\t\talt=\"4-H Grows Here logo in green with 4-H clover at right on a black background\"\n\t\tstyle=\"object-position: 50% 50%\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__overlay\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__inner-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"wsu-hero__title\">Empowering Youth Through Parliamentary Procedure<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__caption\">Quick Tips for Leaders and Club Presidents<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"program-contact \">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-content\/plugins\/cahnrs-extension-plugin\/assets\/images\/four-h.png\"\n\t\t\theight=\"75\"\n\t\t\twidth=\"75\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"extension-program-icon\"\n\t\t\talt=\"Program Icon.\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"program-contact-info\">\n\t\t<h2>Program Contact<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tAutumn Britt, 4-H Program Manager<br>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-screen-reader-only\">Phone Number<\/span>509-588-7817\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-screen-reader-only\">Email Address<\/span> \u2022\n\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:autumn.britt@wsu.edu\">autumn.britt@wsu.edu<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Parliamentary procedure can be a powerful tool to bring out the voices of all youth in your 4-H club.  These tips will help make the transition into this structure smooth for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">Teach parliamentary procedure to your club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Use experiential activities to share basic parliamentary procedure protocol.\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/volunteer-resources\/youth-friendly-parliamentary-procedure\/parli-pro-trail-mix\/\">Parli-Pro-Trail-Mix<\/a><br>Youth (and adults) will learn how to make, discuss, and vote on motions using parliamentary procedure in a fun, hands-on way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/projects-programs\/ya4-h-2\/beach-ball-review\/\">Beach Ball Review<\/a><br>Participants will review parliamentary procedure in a fun and engaging manner. The activity also allows facilitators to assess what participants know about parliamentary procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/volunteer-resources\/youth-friendly-parliamentary-procedure\/order-of-business\/\">Order of Business<\/a><br>Participants will learn how a business meeting is organized and determine how they might want to organize their own club meeting agenda.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/2080\/2023\/11\/Parli-Pro-Ques_FORUM-2017.pdf\">Parli Pro Printables (PDF)<\/a><br>Use this PDF printable to remind club members what phrases they use to propose motions, second motions, and amend motions. It includes a page of reminder phrases for presiding officers as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask experienced members to help teach or lead activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some youth clubs have posted videos to YouTube on parliamentary procedure.  They may be helpful in orienting your club to the process.  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AaHckDjTxZE\">Parliamentary Procedure Basics \u2013 Oregon 4-H (YouTube video)<\/a> is a helpful resource to start with.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">Orient new members and adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do you have several new members?  It&#8217;s a good time for a refresher lesson!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you only have a few new members in the club, pair an experienced member with new 4-Hers to explain the process and help them participate until they feel comfortable doing so on their own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">Don&#8217;t get caught up in the perfect use of parliamentary procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A 4-H Club isn\u2019t the Senate Floor; focus on the basics. The basics are the most necessary components to give everyone a voice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only accepting perfection or attempting to follow the nitty-gritty of all parliamentary procedure rules will likely make youth feel unsure of how to participate instead of empowered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember, your 4-H club\u2019s most important mission is to create a place for youth to feel they belong and experience a safe space to make mistakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some disruptions are unavoidable &#8211; try to keep a sense of humor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">Voting Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Voting can take place in many ways.  Some voting methods are better than others based on what decision is being made and what personalities are present.\n<ul>\n<li>Secret Ballot:  This is the correct option for voting on officer roles and other sensitive matters.  This type of vote should not be tallied in view of club members or others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voice Vote:  This type of voting is called for by the chair when they ask &#8220;all in favor say AYE&#8221; or &#8220;all opposed say NAY.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Movement Vote:  Standing or raising of hands to vote.  This style voting may stop members from voting for a minority or unpopular view if they feel uncomfortable identifying their position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only youth club members can vote, including youth officers.  The presiding chair (often the club President) only votes to break a tie.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">Discussion\/Debate Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Arrange tables\/chairs in a large circle, \u201cu\u201d or hollow square\/rectangle. Members are more likely to actively participate in discussions when they can see and address one another (no one is in the back or the corner; no one is left out).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The chair should always show preference to the proposer of the motion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A member who has not spoken should be given the floor over one who has already discussed the question at hand, or who frequently claims the attention of the group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the chair knows the opinions of the various members regarding the measure before the house, the chair should alternate between those favoring the measure and those opposing it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the chair doesn\u2019t know members\u2019 opinions or if discussion grows quiet within a room heavy with unshared views ask \u201cCan anyone think of a concern or opposing view to share?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discussion must be confined to the question that is \u201cbefore the club.\u201d Staying focused helps members participate and not get lost within tangents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get creative with communication\n<ul>\n<li>Consider having the group <strong>Think-Pair-Share<\/strong> instead of debate.  Members should first think quietly about their concerns, questions, and ideas, then share them with a partner.  Afterward, everyone takes turns sharing their thoughts within the group.  consider asking members to share their partner&#8217;s thoughts instead of their own &#8211; let them know ahead of time so they can practice their listening skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If discussion isn&#8217;t productive because many members aren&#8217;t comfortable sharing their viewpoint, or if you just want to have fun, start a &#8220;Snowball Fight.&#8221;  Have members write their concerns, questions, and ideas on a loose piece of paper, crumple it up, and toss it to another member.  Have the 4-Hers randomly toss the &#8220;snowballs&#8221; several times so they are thoroughly mixed up.  Everyone can then choose a snowball near them at random to un-crumple and share with the group.  This can also be a way to stimulate discussion if youth are asked to respond to the statement they read with agree, disagree, and any justification for their position.  To get a variety of responses to different ideas, crumple the papers again, have another &#8220;Snowball Fight,&#8221; and repeat the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider a talking piece\n<ul>\n<li>With groups that tend to talk over one another, or who need more structure in taking turns with their ideas, consider using a talking piece.  This can be a stick, a ball, a stuffed animal, or any other token the club consistently uses to indicate who&#8217;s turn it is to speak.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start a Parking Lot for ideas that don&#8217;t fit the topic but might be discussed later.  This can be done with sticky notes, on flip chart paper, a white board, or other means to record ideas.  These ideas can then be returned to later in the day or at a future meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">When needed, use positive and strategic counseling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Positively counsel attendees that are engaging in distracting or inappropriate behaviors by suggesting positive alternatives.  For example, instead of chastising a member for speaking out of turn, instead remind them, &#8220;<em>Remember to wait until the chair recognizes you.  Only one person may speak at a time.<\/em>&#8220;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actively ignore harmless, but irritating, behavior whenever possible, so long as it doesn&#8217;t disrupt the meeting and respond positively as soon as the 4-Her refocuses with appropriate behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--left\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/volunteer-resources\/youth-friendly-parliamentary-procedure\/\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack to Youth-Friendly Parliamentary Procedure\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--left\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/volunteer-resources\/\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack to Volunteer Resources\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--medium\"><em>Originally authored by Alison White, Washington State University Extension, January 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parliamentary procedure can be a powerful tool to bring out the voices of all youth in your 4-H club. These tips will help make the transition into this structure smooth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"parent":20425,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":0,"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_expiration_date":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20430"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20430"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22853,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20430\/revisions\/22853"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}