Michael Mouritsen | Registered Parliamentarian
@michaelmouritsen.bsky.social
50+ years of professional experience providing procedural advice to committees, boards and conventions in the public, not-for-profit, and labour union sectors. More resources and blog at MichaelMouritsen.ca. 🇨🇦
My November blog post: what's a resolution, is it different from a motion, and how many 'whereas' clauses are permitted in the preamble? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/resol...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/resol...
Resolved: That We Use 'Whereas' Sparingly
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM
My November blog post: what's a resolution, is it different from a motion, and how many 'whereas' clauses are permitted in the preamble? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/resol...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/resol...
Some secretaries of organizations take offence when members propose corrections to the minutes. Get over it - the minutes of a meeting belong to the members, not the secretary. My October blog post. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/the-s...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/the-s...
The Secretary Does Not Own the Minutes
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
October 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Some secretaries of organizations take offence when members propose corrections to the minutes. Get over it - the minutes of a meeting belong to the members, not the secretary. My October blog post. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/the-s...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/the-s...
It's September, and time to return to writing my monthly blog posts on parliamentary procedure. Here is this month's contribution: if you want to challenge the results of a vote on a motion, you have to act quickly! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrules
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/chall...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/chall...
Challenging a Vote? Be Quick About It!
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
September 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
It's September, and time to return to writing my monthly blog posts on parliamentary procedure. Here is this month's contribution: if you want to challenge the results of a vote on a motion, you have to act quickly! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrules
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/chall...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/chall...
A special Summer post in light of the decision by Democratic members of the Texas state legislature to 'break quorum' by fleeing the state to stop the adoption of new congressional district boundaries favouring Republican voters.
Here is my previous post:
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Here is my previous post:
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Questions about Quorum
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
August 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
A special Summer post in light of the decision by Democratic members of the Texas state legislature to 'break quorum' by fleeing the state to stop the adoption of new congressional district boundaries favouring Republican voters.
Here is my previous post:
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Here is my previous post:
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
A mid-Summer post from the past: what is a question of privilege? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/raisi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/raisi...
Raising a Question of Privilege
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
July 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
A mid-Summer post from the past: what is a question of privilege? #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/raisi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/raisi...
Yes, hostile amendments are allowed, just like hostile debate! A companion piece to last year's post on friendly amendments. Taking a break for Summer; back in September. My website, however, is on duty 24/7 - check it out. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
Handling a Hostile Amendment
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
June 18, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Yes, hostile amendments are allowed, just like hostile debate! A companion piece to last year's post on friendly amendments. Taking a break for Summer; back in September. My website, however, is on duty 24/7 - check it out. #robertsrules #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
Pope Alexander III couldn't have known that his introduction in 1179 of the 2/3 vote requirement for electing new Popes would become the basis for 'supermajority' votes today. Why some motions require more than a majority - my blog post for May.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
When Votes Require More Than a Majority
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
May 22, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Pope Alexander III couldn't have known that his introduction in 1179 of the 2/3 vote requirement for electing new Popes would become the basis for 'supermajority' votes today. Why some motions require more than a majority - my blog post for May.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
My April blog post on the different meanings of the term 'table'. It's been used to kill a motion so it cannot be discussed; to postpone a motion so it can be discussed later; and to introduce a motion so it can start to be discussed. Which is correct?
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/to-ta...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/to-ta...
To Table or Not to Table: Is That the Question?
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
April 15, 2025 at 12:34 AM
My April blog post on the different meanings of the term 'table'. It's been used to kill a motion so it cannot be discussed; to postpone a motion so it can be discussed later; and to introduce a motion so it can start to be discussed. Which is correct?
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/to-ta...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/to-ta...
My latest blog post on how the chair of a meeting, by using his or her 'soft power', can speed things up. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
How the Chair Can 'Speed Up' a Meeting
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
March 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM
My latest blog post on how the chair of a meeting, by using his or her 'soft power', can speed things up. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/how-t...
Why your organization needs to have disciplinary procedures to deal with disruptive members.
michaelmouritsen204693.substack.com/p/why-discip...
michaelmouritsen204693.substack.com/p/why-discip...
February 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Why your organization needs to have disciplinary procedures to deal with disruptive members.
michaelmouritsen204693.substack.com/p/why-discip...
michaelmouritsen204693.substack.com/p/why-discip...
My latest blog post: a condo board doesn't like its vice-president, so tries to prevent her from succeeding the president after his resignation.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/does-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/does-...
Does the Veep Automatically Succeed If the President Resigns?
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
February 3, 2025 at 3:54 PM
My latest blog post: a condo board doesn't like its vice-president, so tries to prevent her from succeeding the president after his resignation.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/does-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/does-...
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives was re-elected on the first ballot during a rollcall after two members changed their votes. What does #RobertsRulesOfOrder say about changing votes in meetings of your organization?
#Governance #ParliamentaryProcedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/can-y...
#Governance #ParliamentaryProcedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/can-y...
Can You Change Your Vote in a Meeting?
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
January 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives was re-elected on the first ballot during a rollcall after two members changed their votes. What does #RobertsRulesOfOrder say about changing votes in meetings of your organization?
#Governance #ParliamentaryProcedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/can-y...
#Governance #ParliamentaryProcedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/can-y...
I get questions about nominations - here are some answers! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings #schoolboards #municipalities #unions #elections
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Questions About Nominations
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
January 3, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I get questions about nominations - here are some answers! #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings #schoolboards #municipalities #unions #elections
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Sometimes, secret meetings are necessary. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confi...
Confidentiality in Meetings
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
January 2, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Sometimes, secret meetings are necessary. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confi...
Every organization should have a conflict of interest policy so members know what to do when their personal interests conflict with those of the organization. #parliamentaryprocedure #conflictofinterest #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #unions
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confl...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confl...
Conflicting Views on Conflict of Interest
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
December 31, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Every organization should have a conflict of interest policy so members know what to do when their personal interests conflict with those of the organization. #parliamentaryprocedure #conflictofinterest #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #unions
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confl...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/confl...
You don't need to include 'business arising from the minutes' on your meeting agendas. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/dont-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/dont-...
Don't Include 'Business Arising from the Minutes' on Your Agendas
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
December 30, 2024 at 4:42 PM
You don't need to include 'business arising from the minutes' on your meeting agendas. #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #governance #boards #meetings
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/dont-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/dont-...
We've all heard of friendly amendments; what do they mean and when can they be used?
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/handl...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/handl...
Handling Friendly Amendments
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
December 29, 2024 at 7:51 PM
We've all heard of friendly amendments; what do they mean and when can they be used?
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/handl...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/handl...
ICYMI - if you're chairing a meeting, good judgement & common sense are important, but so is knowing the rules! And you need to prepare for each meeting.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
When the Chair Tries to 'Wing It'
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
December 28, 2024 at 7:36 PM
ICYMI - if you're chairing a meeting, good judgement & common sense are important, but so is knowing the rules! And you need to prepare for each meeting.
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/when-...
As we approach year-end, here’s a gem from the vault: a 2021 blog post explaining majority decision-making. michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/why-w... %26 Definitions
Why We Must Accept a Majority Decision
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
December 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM
As we approach year-end, here’s a gem from the vault: a 2021 blog post explaining majority decision-making. michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/why-w... %26 Definitions
Answers to common questions about quorum. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Questions about Quorum
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:32 PM
Answers to common questions about quorum. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/quest...
Why do people get so obsessed with close or tied votes?
#governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #voting
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/legit...
#governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #voting
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/legit...
Legitimacy of Tied or Close Votes
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:31 PM
Why do people get so obsessed with close or tied votes?
#governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #voting
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/legit...
#governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder #voting
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/legit...
Secret ballots can be used for votes on motions, not just in elections. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/secre...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/secre...
Secret Ballots - Not Just for Elections
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Secret ballots can be used for votes on motions, not just in elections. #governance #parliamentaryprocedure #robertsrulesoforder
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/secre...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/secre...
A great book arguing that a shared knowledge of parliamentary procedure helped to moderate the California gold rush. #governance #history #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #california
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/did-p...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/did-p...
Did Parliamentary Procedure Moderate the Gold Rush?
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:28 PM
A great book arguing that a shared knowledge of parliamentary procedure helped to moderate the California gold rush. #governance #history #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #california
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/did-p...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/did-p...
Moving to censure someone may not always be a good idea. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/what-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/what-...
What is a Motion of Censure?
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:25 PM
Moving to censure someone may not always be a good idea. #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure #governance
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/what-...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/what-...
Zombie procedures - they just refuse to die! #governance #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/zombi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/zombi...
Zombie Procedures: They Just Refuse to Die
By Michael Mouritsen, RP
michaelmouritsen.ca
November 16, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Zombie procedures - they just refuse to die! #governance #robertsrulesoforder #parliamentaryprocedure
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/zombi...
michaelmouritsen.ca/blog/f/zombi...