Are there specifics rules and regulation either in Roberts Rules of

[efhmc]

Order or in the Dem party rules about the use of sexist language to denote chairs. I have been chided for constantly asking our chair not to refer to me as a chairman. One person says it is just being politically correct and the chair says we have other more important things to worry about. The person is a stickler for the rules so I would like to present him (of course it is a guy) with the rules about this.

[Igel]

1. Ask him.

Nothing in Roberts' comes to mind. I was the de facto parliamentarian for a few committees a while back. There are probably formulas (like addressing the chairman as "chairman"), but it's clear that they are they for respect, not ritual; for decorum, not as divine writ.

In fact, that's pretty much Roberts' Rules. Lots of justifications given, as well as the goals for each petty rule. Even some exceptionally convoluted and dorky provisions always boil down to maintaining the right of the on any issue majority to get things done and the minority to be heard.

If it really bothers you, introduce a motion to amend Roberts so that the chair(man/woman/person/thing/...) may be called either "chair" or whatever else. The debate should be entertaining, to say the least; but there's no rule against stipulating changes to Roberts. In fact, Roberts' also envisages that, as do most constitutions/charters and bylaws.

[muse]

2. I have a HUGE issue with this, also

It should always be chair. Always.

Start calling the guy chairs chairwoman and see how much they like that.

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

3. Tell him the Repubs call their chairs "chairmen"

Check it out, then take a shower.

It makes me cringe too, and I'm not even a woman. People should be addressed the way they prefer. If a guy named Theodore wants to be called Ted, you call him Ted. End of story.

[crispini]

4. And if a guy named Theodore wants to be called Lucille....

you call him Lucille.... :rofl:

[cosmik debris]

5. Hear are the rules

http://www.txdemocrats.org/files/Rules2006.pdf

I couldn't find anything on your issue, but it is good to have this site bookmarked.

[cosmik debris]

6. Another approach

Each time the offending word is used, rise to your feet and demand a point of order. Point out that the Rules of the Democratic Party do not make a provision for the office of ChairMAN (Article II, Section C, paragraph 2). Ask if the person is referring to the office of Chair or some extra-legal office created outside the rules.

Consistently scolding the offender in this way should end the offense. I don't believe that he will use the word ChairMAN very often if he knows that he will be corrected and scolded after each use. At the very least, it puts HIM on the defensive instead of you!

Good Luck!

On Edit: You should always keep points of order in the form of a question so that you can stare silently at the offender until he answers the question. Or not. How much drama do you want?

[ashling]

7. I can't recall

anything from RR, but here is a good site I have used in the past: http://www.robertsrules.com

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

8. State Convention

Here's another suggestion. Sit with your chair at the convention, and point out everytime the word "chairman" is NOT used. When he sees how out of step he is with all other Democrats in Texas, he might fall in line.