Motions Made Simple for Tribal Meetings

Perfect for new council or board members, or those looking for a Robert's Rules refresher. Co-designed by NCAI's Parliamentarian!
Format

Online
Course

Prerequisites

None

Authors

Patrick Anderson and Başla  Andolsun

Style

Text-based with interactive elements and videos

Estimated Time

2 Hours

Price

$
Free

About the course

Making and processing motions is one of the most practical parts of Robert's Rules--and it's often where new members feel the most uncertain. Clear motions keep meetings respectful, efficient, and focused on serving your community's goals. Gain confidence with motion-making basics in this interactive course designed specifically for tribal boards and councils—including small boards following more relaxed rules.

Course Lessons:
1. Introduction
2. What Is a Motion and Why Does It Matter?
3. Most Common Types of Motions
4. How to Make a Motion (Step-by-Step)
5. Seconding a Motion
6. What Makes a Good Motion?
7. Practice Round: You Make the Motion
8. A Deeper Dive + Downloadable Cheat Sheet
9. Wrap-Up

Practical approach

Learn the essentials of motion making under Robert's Rules, and test what you've learned with interactive knowledge checks.

Tribally oriented

Information is tailored for the scenarios most likely to occur in tribal board and council meetings.

For your community

Better serve your community by gaining tools for more productive, respectful tribal meetings.

Patrick Anderson

Patrick is a Tlingit Elder (Eagle moiety, Thunderbird Clan, from Dry Bay, Yakutat) and Alutiiq (from Cordova). His Tlingit name is Daakudein. He is descended from Chiefs, Clan Leaders, and Shamans, and as a Translational Leader, participated in the restoration of language, culture, and tradition for his tribe.

Patrick serves as the Parliamentarian for the National Congress of American Indians. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School, he has been an attorney in private practice in Alaska, a university Professor, and CEO of tribally focused nonprofit organizations.

Patrick has a long history in public policy on Alaska Native issues. He is currently serving as a member of the United Nations Community Advisory Panel on biodiversity, with a background in northern fisheries and forest management. He also lectures on Indigenous Cultures for Princess Cruise Lines.

Patrick brings long expertise in Northern health, childhood acquired trauma and healing, as well as 20 years of experience in Lean Management/Healthcare and management science.

Başla Andolsun

Başla has been working as an Instructional Designer in Indian Country since 2010. She holds Masters Certificates in Instructional Systems Development and Instructional Technology, and Masters and Bachelors degrees in Sociology. She especially enjoys the challenge of building custom learning solutions that help tribal employers solve their biggest challenges. 
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