Meetings Behavior Policy
1. Authority and Scope
A. This policy is in all respects subordinate to the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Standing Rules of the Corporation. B. This policy, in conjunction with the rules of order, should be placed at the end of each meeting correspondence (e.g., agendas and minutes). C. This policy shall apply to anyone and everyone who attends meetings of the Corporation.
2. General
This policy is designed to give guidance to those attending meetings of the Corporation as to what standards of behavior are required and what is unacceptable.
3. Disruptive Persons
A. In order to conduct its business in an inclusive, efficient, and transparent manner, it is essential that those attending meetings of the Corporation adhere to the process and do not engage in disruption of the meeting. B. Disruption is, for the purposes of this policy, defined as behavior which does not show respect for:
- The process;
- The Chair;
- Anyone present; or
- Any member, director, staff, or volunteer of the Corporation. C. If a person or group of persons disrupts a meeting and ignores two warnings given by the Chair at that meeting, they will be removed by the sergeant-at-arms for the purpose of being given an opportunity to calm down. Such person or persons may rejoin the meeting later, but if they continue to be disruptive, upon being given a third warning by the Chair, they will be removed by the sergeant-at-arms from the meeting, not allowed to rejoin the meeting, and have their membership of the Corporation (in the event that they are members) suspended, pending a hearing by the Community Affairs Committee and possible expulsion as a member. D. Anyone present at any meeting shall have the power to call for a three-second silence to help calm a tense situation.
4. Sergeant-at-Arms
Every meeting shall have a Sergeant-at-Arms who shall be appointed at that meeting and in default shall be the Vice President of the organization.
Approved by the Board: February 1, 2000