Committees - Appointment and Composition

If you read Angela's previous post Committees! she discusses the two types of ordinary committees there are. Now that we know there are standing and special committees and what their purpose is, let's talk about how you can go about appointing a committee and the proper composition of committees!

Methods of Appointment [RONR (11th ed.), pg. 492 - 497]

If an assembly has not stated in its bylaws how the members of its committees shall be selected, the method can be decided by vote at the time the committee is appointed, or the method can be specified in the motion to establish the committee. It also depends on what type of committee is being established. Here are the methods by which committees can be appointed:

1. Election by ballot. This method is principally applicable to important standing committees having extensive powers.

2. Nomination from the floor with viva-voce election. This method is common for appointing members to a committee when the assembly wishes to reserve the selection to itself without requiring secrecy in the voting.

3. Nominations by the chair with confirmation by voice vote. This method is used when the assembly wished to take advantage of the chair's knowledge and judgement as to suitable appointees, yet wishes to have veto power.

4. Appointment by the chair. This is usually the best method in large assemblies. The president cannot assume such power, however, unless it is in the bylaws or by action of the assembly.

5. Appointment by adoption of a motion naming members of a committee. This is commonly used when appointing special committees. We have practiced this in class and is what I am most familiar with.

Proper Composition of Committees [RONR (11th ed.), pg. 497 - 498]

Standing Committees: The only thing stated about standing committees is that members should be chosen to make the strongest possible group so that they can handle any task that may arise.

Special Committees:

• When appointed to implement an order of the assembly, it should be small and should consist of only those in favor of the action to be carried out.
• When appointed for deliberation or investigation, it should be larger and represent all points of view in the organization so that its recommendations reflect the will of the assembly.