What is the role of the chair during a call to order?

The role of the chair during a call to order is to officially begin the meeting at the published time. This is a crucial function, as it sets the tone for the meeting and ensures that members know it is time to focus on the agenda. By calling the meeting to order, the chair confirms that the meeting is proceeding as planned and allows participants to mentally transition into a business mindset. This act is fundamental in parliamentary procedure, where formal meetings are governed by established rules and guidelines.

Other roles, such as silencing disruptive members or making final decisions on motions, may occur throughout the meeting but are not part of the initial call to order. Similarly, while preparing the agenda is an important task, it is typically completed before the meeting begins and does not happen during the call to order. The call to order is more about marking the start of the meeting rather than addressing agenda items or managing member behavior.