By LAP President Nicole Learson, RP

LAP Members Visiting Louisiana State Capitol (from left to right): Former NA President Ron Stinson, PRP, LAP Members: Grant Bourque, Clara Earl, NAP Vice President Alison Wallis and guests.

The Louisiana Association of Parliamentarians (LAP) was excited to hold its Biennial Meeting on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Gonzales, Louisiana. The day before, Friday, March 17, NAP Vice President Alison Wallis, PRP, hosted a tour at the Louisiana Capitol in Baton Rouge. We were excited for our members to take part. We even had a special guest, former NAP President Ron Stinson, PRP.

LAP Member Nate Thompson presenting

On the morning of March 18, the biennial began with educational sessions. The sessions included dynamic presentations by LAP member and officer Nate Thompson and NAP Director-at-Large Adam Hathaway, PRP. The morning sessions concluded with a panel discussion with practicing parliamentarians, moderated by C. Alan Jennings, author of Robert’s Rules for Dummies. The panelists included NAP Vice President Alison Wallis, JD, PRP; Susan Eads Role, PRP; LAP Vice President Richard Brown, JD, RP; and LAP President Nicole Learson, RP.

The morning session was packed with helpful hints, tips and tricks, and interesting information on all things parliamentary procedure. A great time was had by all!

NAP Director-at-Large Adam Hathaway, PRP cautioning on how bylaws can NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be suspended except under specific circumstances.

Immediately after a catered lunch, the biennial meeting was called to order. Highlights during the meeting included the NAP Report which was presented virtually by NAP Director-at-Large Adam Hathaway, PRP.  His presentation, titled “Continuing the Journey from Good to Great,” included the state of NAP, information regarding membership, and the unveiling of NAP University and the NAPEF Learning Labs. Another pleasant highlight that LAP members enjoyed was a recorded greeting from their District Six Director Lucy Anderson, PRP.

Later, LAP members elected their officers for the new biennium. The 2023-2025 officers are:

President – Nicole Learson, RP

Vice President – Richard Brown, JD, RP

Secretary – Nate Thompson

Treasurer – Clara Earl

Congratulations!

Our LAP Outgoing Secretary Barry Brooks greeting attendees.