What Rights Do a Honorary Person Have at a Social Club Committee Meeting?

Question

Hi Everyone

Can you help me.

I am a Committee member of my local Royal British Legion social club.

My question is:

When you are made a Honorary Vice Chairman/President of a social club, what rights do you have at a Committee meeting?

Can you still attend all Committee meetings?
Can you join in with the Committee in discussions?
Are you allowed to vote at a Committee meeting?

What are you allowed to do as a Honorary Vice Chairman/President at a Committee meeting?

Best Regards

Jock.

Answer 1

It depends on the constitution of the comittee - there should be something written down to specify what rights people have.

Generally an honorary member would have the right to join in the discussions and attend the meetings (they are generally made honorary because they cant be chairman (perhaps allready served their time as one) but still have an valuable input to make), but not to vote, or to use their position to influence the vote or otherwise undermine the real persons job.

It is of course possible to have a full member who has an honorary position and in that case it is so that they can attend the committee meetings but voting and other rights are the same as ordinary members.

Answer 2

Of course private clubs can set whatever rules they wish. But if following the usual rules of order, an "honorary" is simply that. There is no real authority associated with it. Just as if a medical college awards an Honorary Degree on a famous author. That does not mean he can now practice medicine.

It is simply a recognition of that person for something he has done or who he is etc.

They may be invited to participate in some way such as attending meetings (if there is no objection) or even participating in discussions (again, if there is no objection).

But under no circumstances should he be permitted to vote.
To do so would open the door to allow one side or the other to stack the vote.

I must be noted that any regular member should be able to object to any participation not normally afforded the general public. That objection should be honored.

An honorary Chair or vice-chair does little more that perhaps a ceremonial bang of the gavel and call to order or dismissal.
They never conduct any official business.

.

Answer 3

Of Course the Secretary sets the Agenda for the next Committee meeting. Yes the Secretary can put forward a proposal in the form of a resolution. This has to be voted on by the remaining members of the Commitee.

Answer 4

Well, I don't know about the customs in England but I suspect you get to pick up the bar tab.