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Run better meetings. Make fairer decisions. Strengthen your organization.
Trusted by thousands of organizations, Democratic Rules of Order, 11th Edition offers a complete, easy-to-use modern framework for running meetings that protects democratic participation while helping organizations make decisions effectively.
This fully revised and updated edition by leading experts in parliamentary rules offers easy numbering of rules for easy reference, templates for organizational bylaws, motions and more, and an overview of how meeting rules interface with higher level laws.
Inside, readers will learn how to:
- Run fair, efficient, and productive meetings
- Replace procedural jargon with plain-language rules
- Encourage equal participation while preserving majority rule
- Reduce conflict, confusion, and wasted time
- Keep meetings focused on decisions—not technicalities
- Strengthen governance and transparent decision-making
- Empower leaders, board members, and volunteers to participate confidently
- Apply a complete system adaptable to organizations of any size.
Ideal for nonprofits, boards, associations, civic groups, and community organizations, Democratic Rules of Order, 11th Edition is an essential guide for chairs, directors, volunteers, educators, and leaders seeking meetings that are more democratic, productive, and less stressful.
Adrian B. Stratton is a distinguished parliamentary expert holding the highest professional designations of Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) and Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). A trusted advisor, he delivers authoritative parliamentary counsel and strategic bylaws solutions to leading national and international associations, ensuring fairness during their meetings and conventions. As an active member of both the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP) and the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), he is deeply committed to advancing effective governance and organizational leadership. Stratton served two terms as President of the New York Association of Parliamentarians from 2021 to 2025 and currently sits on the AIP Professional Responsibility Committee. He frequently contributes to the profession as a lecturer and author of scholarly articles. He resides in New York, NY.
Nilda E. Rivera holds the credentials of Certified Professional Parliamentarian from the American Institute of Parliamentarians and Professional Registered Parliamentarian from the National Association of Parliamentarians. These each represent the highest professional credential offered by the organizations and fewer than fifty individuals hold this dual distinction. Ms. Rivera has served on the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Parliamentarians and as President of the Parliamentarians of Metro New York Unit. She is an experienced consultant specializing in parliamentary procedure training and is regularly retained by organizations and associations as a parliamentarian, professional presiding officer, trainer, bylaws consultant, and lecturer. She lives in the Bronx, NY.
Brian E. C. Schottlaender is the President of the Dr. Seuss Foundation and Chair of the Geisel-Seuss Enterprises Board of Directors. A nationally recognized leader in library sciences, he served as the Audrey S. Geisel University Librarian at UC San Diego from 1999 to 2017, where he is currently University Librarian Emeritus. Additionally, he is a Founding Principal of re:work library consulting, bringing decades of expertise in academic research, digital preservation, and administration. Schottlaender holds a BA and an MLS, and his extensive contributions to the field earned him the American Library Association's Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award. He lives in San Diego, CA.
Basil A. Smikle Jr. PhD, is a Professor of Practice and Director of the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program at Columbia University. A frequent political analyst for MSNow, he brings 30 years of public service experience to his work in civic engagement, nonprofit advocacy, and electoral politics. His distinguished career includes serving as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party and as a senior policy aide to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Holding a PhD in Politics and Education from Columbia University, Dr. Smikle serves as a Trustee for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and numerous educational nonprofits. He lives in New York, NY.
Preface
Introduction
Part I
Chapter 1: Democratic Rules of Order
Chapter 2: Governing Elements
Chapter 3: Written Rules
Chapter 4: Meetings
Chapter 5: Proposals
Chapter 6: Debate
Chapter 7: Voting
Chapter 8: Subsidiary, Privileged, and Incidental Motions
Chapter 9: Disciplinary Proceedings
Part II
Frequently Asked Questions
Special Rules Templates
Bylaws Templates
Checklists
Part III
Rule Summary
Glossary
About the Authors
Index