Upcoming Workshops

Rules of Order & Meeting Processes

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Workshop Overview:
Have you ever wondered why some municipality council meetings are concise, lasting only 40-50 minutes, while others drag on for 4-5 hours? Do you question why some meetings run smoothly, efficiently, and professionally while others resemble heated debates? The key to these differences is the skillful application of rules of order and meeting processes. Effective governance and decision-making rely on well-prepared staff reports, precise motions, and thorough issue reviews by elected officials prior to council meetings. Both staff and Council share the responsibility for ensuring these essential elements are in place.

This workshop will delve into the reasons behind the existence of rules of order and meeting processes; guiding participants in how to get your meeting started well, establishing agendas, determining quorums, the role of ex-officio members, crafting clear motions and amendments, whether to approve or not approve reports, conflict of interest protocols, changing terms of appointments, approving minutes, basic decorum, and how to better prepare yourself for the unexpected. Topics such as voting procedures, quorums, conflict of interest protocols, and basic decorum will be extensively discussed. This workshop will explore real-life examples from Nova Scotia municipalities and engage in simulation exercises to reinforce learning— no PowerPoint slides, just interactive and practical experiences!

Facilitator: Chris McNeill, Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis and former Register Parliamentarian

Registration Details

(sessions are limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis)

Municipal Administrative Sessions:

• Friday, September 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Location: Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) 6 Thurston Street, Yarmouth, NS, B5A 4K5
• Friday, October 13, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Location: Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2R7

Municipal Elected Officials Sessions (a joint initiative with NSFM):

• Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Location: Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) 6 Thurston Street, Yarmouth, NS, B5A 4K5
• Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Location: Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2R7

Registration Costs

Early bird rate: $350*
Regular price: $400
*The early bird rate for the sessions will be available until two weeks before the start date. After that period, the regular price will apply.

Click here to register