Meetings Behavior Policy

1. Authority/Scope
   1. This policy is in all respects subordinate to the articles of incorporation, by laws and standing rules of the corporation.
   2. This policy, in conjuction with the rules of order, should be placed at the end of each meeting correspondence (e.g., agendas and minutes). read in conjunction with the rules of order which govern the meeting in question, e.g. consensus model/Robert’s Rules of Order (decorum sections etc), and the Corporation’s other policies from time to time in force, such as the Code of Conduct.
   3. This policy shall apply to anyone and everyone who attends meetings of the Corporation.
2. General
   1. 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
   1. In order to conduct its business in a mature and respectfulan 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.
   2. Disruption is, for the purposes of this policy, defined as: Behavior which does not show respect for:
      1. The process
      2. The Chair
      3. Anyone present
      4. Any member, director, staff or volunteer of the Corporation
   3. If a person or group of persons disrupt a meeting and ignores two warnings given them 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, then 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.
   4. 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
   1. 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 02.01.00