Parliamentarians' Records-Mississippi Division of the National Association of Parliamentarians

The National Association of Parliamentarians was initiated in 1930 and incorporated three years later. The purpose of the Association is "to study, teach, promote, and disseminate the democratic principles of parliamentary law and processes." It was not until 1948 that a division of the National Association of Parliamentarians was formed in Mississippi.

On January 10, 1948, Mrs. B. L. Parkinson of Columbus invited a group of women who were, or had been, heads of state-wide organizations, to attend a luncheon meeting at the Golden Goose Café on the campus of Mississippi State College for Women. The purpose of the meeting was to create interest in an association of parliamentarians. All of those present took out membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians. They were informed that if and when a state association was formed, they would be charter members. It was also understood that they were to have twenty hours of lecture work under Mrs. Parkinson, who was, at that time, an officer in the National Association of Parliamentarians.

Interest grew slowly and invitations were extended to other women to gather for a luncheon in Mrs. Parkinson's home. During the luncheon on February 12, 1949, Mrs. Parkinson set forth the objectives of the meeting and the value of a state organization. This is considered to be the official date of organization of the Mississippi division.

The first convention was held on the campus of the Mississippi State College for Women on May 6, 1949. By-laws were adopted, officers elected, and the decision to hold an annual convention was made. Therefore, a state convention was held every year, except 1966, until the state division surrendered its charter.

During November 1977, a meeting was held in Hattiesburg. It was decided that the state charter should be surrendered to the national headquarters, since interest in the organization had declined during the 1970's.