Department

Parliamentarian:

Verla Mae Shultz

Explanation of the American Legion Auxiliary Preamble, view/print preamble.

Standing Rule Guildelines are available, click here to view/print guidelines.

As a  Parliamentarian one is supposed to be seen and not heard.

The laws of parliamentary procedure are the same as those of social life.  Parliamentary law is the science of conducting meetings.          

Parliamentary law for an organization is, in some respects, the same as civil law is to the community.  It prevents the majority from exercising undue control of a minority.  When understood by the majority, it prevents the rule of a minority.

Parliamentary Points

There are principles of Parliamentary law which are based on:

                     1.            Justice for all (equal rights).

                     2.            Courtesy to all (as in life)

                     3.            One thing at a time (keep order).

                     4.            Rule of the majority.

                     5.            Rights of the minority.

Rules of parliamentary procedure are in harmony with good sense, courtesy, and good breeding.

This is found in the Unit Handbook, revised January 2007 page 192 under Parliamentary Points.  To view and/or print, click Parliamentary Points 

How to settle differences…

Strive to settle the differences in your Unit.  If this does not seem to possible, seek assistance from your District President and/or Sectional Vice President.  If any of these deem it necessary, they will contact the Department Parliamentarian and ask for advice.   Remember the Parliamentarian is only to give advice.  The Presiding Officer makes the ruling.

Information from the national Organization…

“Proper protocol is for the Unit to go to their Department with inquiries concerning disputes with the Unit so that the Department Parliamentarian can assist the Unit at the local level.  If the Department needs assistance in responding to the Unit, they will then refer the inquiry to National.”

If correspondence is sent to National, they return it to the Department Office and Colleen will then pass it on to the Department Parliamentarian.

Who can install a Unit?

In the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania, article XI, section 3.  Officers shall be installed by the District President, Department President, Department Vice President, three Sectional Vice Presidents. or a Past Department President.  If these officers are unable to install, then a Past Section Vice President, or Past District President may install with the approval of the current District President. 

We are to adhere with the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania.

Any ALA Officers,  ALA members, Council or Units-may contact the Parliamentarian about any concerns.