According to Robert's Rules of Order, the term Good of the Order refers to that portion of the agenda or meeting during which members may make statements or offer observations about the character or work of the organization without having any particular item of business before the meeting. That is, under normal circumstances, members of a meeting are allowed to speak on business matters associated with an agenda such as a report of an officer or committee of the organization, or making a motion and speaking in favor or in opposition to a motion. Under the agenda heading Good of the Order, however, no particular business needs to be at hand in order for members to make statements relating to the organization.

Items that may come up under this heading are statements such as compliments or criticisms about some program or activity that the lodge had undertaken. A Kiwanis Club member may want to commend the leadership for providing such a good guest speaker at last monht's meeting, or a member of the local Rotary Club may wish to express disatisfaction over a portion of the junior leadership training program. RONR also notes that some organizations take up motions or resolutions regarding formal disciplinary actions. Items that may be brought up under the heading of the Good of the Order vary from organization to organization. That's why it's important to consult the bylaws of the organization's bylaws or manual of parliamentary procedure.

Here, we use the “Good of the Order” to provide information beneficial to our lodges and our members. This information is accumulated from members & lodges around our state and around the country. Good information is invaluable. If you have something to add, please submit it to the website committee for publication.