AIP Learning Series
Monday, September 21, 2026
Virtual Workshop - 8:00 PM EDT
The Logic of Parliamentary Law:
Discovering the reason behind the rules
Steven D. Cook, CP-T, PRP
Is there any logic behind the motions in Parliamentary Law? The short answer is yes, absolutely!
This interactive 75- to 90-minute workshop provides an in-depth understanding of the rationale behind parliamentary rules and how to approach familiarizing yourself with and applying parliamentary procedure from a different perspective.
- Why are parliamentary rules designed the way that they are?
- How can you use parliamentary law to solve procedural meeting problems?
- How can you handle confusion, unfairness, delay, or distrust in meetings?
- Who says common sense and reasoning cannot be used when based on a few key principles?
- Why are amendments needed?
- Why do some motions require a second?
- Why are vote thresholds such as a two-thirds vote called for in specific instances?
- How can the words used by the presiding officer shape a meeting?
- What are the philosophical differences between the way AIPSC and RONR handle motions?
- Why is parliamentary procedure a valid system for fair decision-making?
Questions and answers will be taken both during and at the end of the workshop.
This workshop is approved for 1.5 CEUs on behalf of the National Association of Parliamentarians for NAP credential renewal
About the Speaker:
Steven D. Cook has been a member of AIP since 2012, holds the credential of Certified Parliamentarian-Teacher (CP-T) with AIP, and is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) in NAP. He has served as a member of the Audit and Bylaws Committee of AIP and is the NAP District Three Director; he serves on the NAP Board of Directors as a Director Representative,
Throughout his membership in both NAP and AIP, Steven has contributed to several committees at both the national and local levels. He has supported numerous regional and national organizations as a parliamentarian and as a bylaws reviewer. Additionally, he continues to provide membership training and specialized instruction on parliamentary procedure to organizations across the United States.
Steven retired from the Department of Defense in 2021 after a distinguished 42-year career with the National Security Agency (NSA). Following his retirement, the NSA invited him to return to help build partnerships with universities in North Carolina, reflecting his passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. He finally retired for the second and final time in March 2025 to focus more on Parliamentary Law and Procedure.
Steven resides in Clayton, North Carolina, with his wife, Sandra, who is also a PRP and serves as a Commissioner on NAP's Commission of Credentialing. Together, they remain active members of NAP and AIP, enthusiastically promoting the principles of parliamentary procedure and the democratic process.
To Register:
This is a free workshop for AIP members. Register by clicking the link below.
In order to attend, you must log in and register. To receive NAP CEU credit, you must supply your NAP member number when registering and leave your camera on when attending live.
To join the workshop, you will be set up to attend the course through the AIP Learning Center, You will be sent out a reminder the day of the seminar.
Registrants will get the recording and any handouts approximately one week following the workshop in the Learning Series Course on the AIP Learning Center.
