President's Letter
By Martin Brady, Executive Director, Schools Insurance Authority

Time is a universal quality.  As the above expression illustrates, each of us is given a set amount of time each day, no more, no less.  The goal of those of us who serve the public is to assure that we use this given amount of time wisely and to the best advantage for those we serve. 

In these uncertain and challenging times, may you approach each new day with renewed optimism and determination to use your allotted minutes to their greatest effect and achievement.

Legislative Update
By Julianne Broyles, CAJPA Legislative Advocate, California Advocates

California legislators have heaping platters of controversial issues to deal with as the 2012 hearings really take off in April.  With more than 2,000 bills introduced in the past several weeks, nearly everyone with an issue seems to have a bill to fix, repeal, or mandate their view of the world on Californians.

2012 may end up as a unique year due to implementation of several voter enacted initiatives such as redistricting and open primary.  This is compounded by the fact that 2012 is also an election year, which pushes special interest legislation into high gear.

Keep in mind that many current legislators will be running in districts that have been created by the Redistricting Commission.  The Commission's new lines force several sitting legislators from the same political party into contests for an Assembly or Senate district.  The Commission also provided for few seats that are more competitive. 

CAJPA has secured Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais, authors of the Millennial Momentum and Millennial Makeover as the opening speakers for the 2012 CAJPA Fall Conference & Training Seminar. Millennial Makeover was selected as one of The New York Times' favorite 10 books for 2008, and Millennial Momentum, just published in September 2011, is receiving the same positive buzz.

Morley and Michael's session, "Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America,"  will focus on and explore how the Millennial generation will change the way America lives, learns, works, plays, votes and governs itself.

Morley and Michael will also present an additional education session following their opening keynote titled, "Millennials in the Workplace," which will discuss how Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers and now, Millennials, must not only co-exist, but thrive in successful organizations. They will give attendees tips and tools to harness the power of these three different generations as well as perspectives for your workplace.

We know that you will not want to miss these insightful sessions or the more than 30 other educational sessions offered with over 60 speakers in topics of interest to you and your organization.

Mark your calendars for 2012!
September 18-21, 2012
Embassy Suites, South Lake Tahoe

Master Your Meetings: Robert's Rules in Real Life
By Ann G. Macfarlane, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Jurassic Parliament

When the nine justices of the Supreme Court met in March to discuss their ruling on health care, they followed the most important rule in all of Robert's Rules of Order.

Each justice presented his or her opinion, and no one could speak twice until everyone had spoken once.

This simple rule is vital to good meetings. Too many times, when boards of directors or elected officials meet, the discussion is run like a conversation. One person speaks, another answers, the first one answers back, and others sit around waiting. This violates the fundamental principle of fairness in discussion.

Groups that adopt and follow the rule that no one may speak twice until everyone who wishes to do so has spoken will find that they get a clear and complete picture of the group's separate views. It is then easy to see where there is agreement, where the sticking points lie, and what issues should be taken up next.

This method also forestalls our natural tendency toward "groupthink" - going along with what everyone else seems to think. Learning the independent views of each individual first, rather than allowing folks to trim their sails to the prevailing winds, will result in much better decisions.

Introverts and minority members often have important insights for the group's work as a whole. Let them speak! If it's good enough for the Supreme Court, it ought to be good enough for us.

Ann Macfarlane is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian who blogs on meetings, leadership and procedure at www.JurassicParliament.com.