Intended for anyone approaching parliamentary procedure for the first time, this booklet is designed to provide a lucid explanation of parliamentary rules and the reasons for them. Chapter 1 discusses organizations, considering such things as bylaws, officers' titles, impartiality of the chair, boards, and committees. The second chapter--on the order of business--discusses the quorum and the call to order, opening exercises, reading and approval of minutes, reports of officers and committees, special orders, unfinished business and new business, adjournment, and the secretary's responsibilities. Chapter 3 explores all aspects of preparing the minutes, while chpater 4 discusses the making of a motion. Methods of voting are examined in chapter 5 and nominations and elections are discussed in chapter 6. The next three chapters discuss and define the following types of motions: subsidiary, privileged, and incidental. The final chapter explains restoratory and other motions such as those that are out of order, and dilatory motions. (Appendixes include an agenda planner, a tellers' tally sheet, a precedence chart, and a chart of motions.) (HOD)