Parliamentarians' Records - Theta Unit, Mississippi Division of the National Association of Parliamentarians

During the early years of the Mississippi Division of the National Association of Parliamentarians, seven units were formed throughout Mississippi. The Theta Unit, also known as the Hattiesburg chapter, of the Mississippi Division was organized by Mrs. B. L. Parkinson of William Carey College. Mrs. Parkinson is also credited with the founding of the Mississippi Division.

The Theta Unit held its first meeting in May 1959 and was officially chartered on September 28, 1959. Mrs. James D. Bomboy was elected to serve as the first president of the newly organized unit.

The Theta Unit members believed that the purpose of the unit was "to study and practice the rules of parliamentary procedure; to further the growing interest in parliamentary rules in public schools and in civic and patriotic organizations; and to strengthen the members in their understanding of the philosophy underlying the rule of deliberative assemblies." To accomplish their stated purpose, the Theta Unit sponsored workshops on parliamentary law and procedures, supported their members while they served as officers in the Mississippi Division and served as co-host with the city of Hattiesburg during several state conventions.

By 1967 only the Theta Unit and two other units remained active. During November 1977, a meeting of the three units was held in Hattiesburg. It was decided that the state charter should be surrendered to national headquarters since interest in the organization had drastically declined.