NRHEG FFA "Parli" team headed to state

In mid-December, eight NRHEG FFA members will be traveling to state-level competition in St. Cloud to show their skill in “Parliamentary Procedures,” a category whose name is frequently shortened to “Parli Pro” by those who must say it often. The objective is to demonstrate excellent understanding of Roberts Rules of Order–the protocols and procedures frequently used to run an orderly meeting.

 

Six team members and two alternates began early morning practices in the category this fall and won the seat at state during a Nov. 14 regional competition at South Central College in North Mankato. The  competing team members are August Bethke, Ellie Clark, Kaitlyn Dobberstein,  Camellia Lynne, Makenna Reeder and Grace Riskedahl. Alternates, who must be contest-ready in case of an absence, are Emily DeLaCruz and Lauren Wakefield.

 

Team members explain they are given 11 minutes to present an opening ceremony and then conduct a meeting. Kaitlyn Dobberstein takes the role of president for the group; she describes her job as “making sure the meeting goes smoothly.” Other team members are assigned to present certain actions or types of motions; they only learn which ones as the round is about to begin.

 

Competition can be nerve-wracking, despite the calm facade, Camellia Lynne mentions her notes taken during the round were barely legible. “I was shaking,” she admits. Still, she believes the team did well because of consistent practices held every Wednesday before school starting in September. The discussion topic for the contest was selecting five FFA members to attend FFA day at the state capitol.

 

Ellie Clark agrees, “We got lots of practice, and that prepared us to be equitable.” She also comments the team’s opening ceremony, which includes introducing the team members and their roles, went very well.

 

Makenna Reeder explains three judges evaluate each team’s efforts–one scores for correctness of procedures, one on the quality of the discussion, and a third one evaluates the opening ceremony. She feels the team did well because, “We all kind of clicked.” 

 

August Bethke acknowledges running a meeting does not sound like an exciting category for competition, but says the skill is very important because it “makes sure everyone is heard, and the majority prevails.” He mentions having been exposed to Roberts Rules of Order in 4-H, where it is used for operating meetings and making decisions. His task at the regional competition was to “present an appeal.”

 

Grace Riskedahl was called upon to “request a recess” during the round. She shares that there will be 18 teams competing at the state tournament. The top two will advance to finals and the winning team will go on to nationals.

 

Lauren Wakefield believes being part of the team has really helped her build leadership skills. Team members are also called upon to know many of the rules and procedures by heart. They must also appear organized and collected. She has been practicing in the category for three years.

 

Emily DeLaCruz shares that, as an alternate, she was able to be in the room during the competition round, but was not allowed to speak or take part. She remembers cringing inwardly when a small mistake was being made and a sense of relief when team members recognized and corrected it.  She says she was frankly grateful to be on the sidelines, and is part of the team because she someday hopes to run for a leadership role in the local FFA organization, and knows knowledge of parliamentary procedure will be helpful.

 

Team advisor Barb Roesler compliments the team members on taking in the 700 pages of rules and procedures of Roberts Rules of Order as quickly as they did. She says, in addition to learning the procedures and planning the opening ceremony, the category calls upon participants to “work together in the moment” to keep their faux meeting operating smoothly.

 

She commented that the topic of selecting FFA members for a trip allowed the team members to mention their actual fellow club members and their contributions and projects, which helped keep the discussion lively.

 

She also revealed FFA will be holding two different state competitions this year. In December, the “leadership development” categories, which include skills such as parliamentary procedures, giving speeches and presentations, and the like will compete in St. Cloud. The more hands-on categories will compete during the state convention in April.