Who the Hell is Robert and What Are His Rules?

Whether you're leading a nonprofit, advising one, or just trying to stay awake during board meetings, understanding how boards are supposed to function can be a game-changer. In this session, we'll demystify Robert's Rules of Order without making your eyes glaze over. You'll learn the real purpose of agendas, minutes, motions, and resolutions—and why outdated bylaws might be hurting your mission more than helping it. We’ll explore practical strategies to make your board meetings more inclusive, effective, and legally sound, all without becoming a parliamentarian. Bring your questions, your horror stories, and your curiosity.

Presenter: Michael Jonas, JD, MBA

Presenter Bio: Michael Jonas is an attorney, strategist, and community advocate with deep expertise in nonprofit law, board governance, and organizational development. He is the founder of Narwhal Law and Business Strategy and the former Owner of Rational Unicorn Legal Services. With almost a decade of experience helping nonprofits, small businesses, and mutual aid organizations grow with clarity and purpose, Michael brings a practical, values-based approach to leadership and legal education. Known for making complex topics understandable—and even enjoyable—he’s facilitated hundreds of workshops that bridge law, strategy, and equity for real-world impact.

Cost:

We offer tiered pricing to fit your budget. Please pay what you can.

Words of Ocean Wisdom:

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• Any and all information presented during a “Learning with a Porpoise” seminar is deemed to be for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Attendees are encouraged to seek legal or other professional advice on their own based on their unique set of facts.
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