For the Good of the Order: Origin and Examples

For the Good of the Order: Origin and Examples explains how this common phrase helps members discuss important organizational matters. 

The Good of the Order is a common expression used during a business meeting, usually near its end. It gives members an opportunity to discuss matters beyond routine business. Also known as General Good and Welfare or Open Forum, this session focuses on the organization’s general welfare, public reputation, membership, and activities. 

Depending on the organization’s rules, members may share informal observations without discussing a pending motion. They can raise concerns, make announcements, and discuss matters affecting the group. This practice encourages open communication and helps members understand important organizational issues.

The order of business may also include general discussions, announcements, and organizational matters that require attention. Some organizations permit motions or resolutions concerning formal disciplinary procedures for offenses outside a meeting, as described in Section 63. Others include programs and related activities in this session. 

The chair usually guides the discussion and determines which matters fit the meeting rules. Although procedures vary between organizations, the main purpose remains the same: to support the group’s welfare and encourage constructive participation. When you hear this phrase, consider the meeting context to understand its intended meaning.

What Does “For the Good of the Order” Mean?

The expression “for the good of the order” means for the benefit, welfare, or general interests of an organized group. The word order refers to an association, society, organization, or similar body rather than a command or a particular arrangement.

People use the phrase when discussing actions, decisions, announcements, or suggestions that could help their organization function better. It can also introduce a meeting segment where members have an opportunity to raise relevant matters before the gathering ends.

Consider a local volunteer association that organizes food drives. During a meeting, one member suggests creating a shared calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts. Another recommends collecting supplies for an upcoming community event. Both suggestions support the association’s wider goals.

Neither suggestion needs to benefit every member equally. An idea can serve the good of the order if it helps the organization achieve its purpose, improve its operations, or support its members.

The Simple Meaning of “For the Good of the Order”

In everyday English, you can understand the expression as “for the benefit of everyone in the group” or “to help the organization as a whole.”

Here are a few simple examples:

• Workplace: “We should improve communication between departments for the good of the order.”
• Community club: “Let’s organize a cleanup day for the good of the order.”
• Volunteer association: “The new supply system will make our work easier for the good of the order.”
• Fraternal organization: “Members should support the upcoming charity event for the good of the order.”

In each example, the speaker emphasizes a shared interest. The goal isn’t simply to satisfy one person’s preference. Instead, the proposed action supports the group’s broader needs.

The expression doesn’t automatically make every suggestion wise or fair, however. Members can disagree about what truly benefits their organization. A proposal should still be judged on its merits, costs, and likely results.

What Does “Order” Mean in This Expression?

The word order has several meanings in English. It can refer to a command, a sequence, an arrangement, or a group of people united by shared rules and purposes.

In this expression, order means an organized body or association. The term often appears in the names of fraternal societies, religious communities, and membership organizations.

For example, a fraternal organization may call itself an order because members share traditions, responsibilities, and formal procedures. Within that setting, the phrase refers to the organization’s collective welfare.

The meaning changes when you use order in another context. Consider these examples:

Expression	Meaning
Place your order	Request goods or services
Keep everything in order	Maintain organization
Follow the order	Obey an instruction or established sequence
Join a fraternal order	Become a member of an organized society
For the good of the order	For the benefit of an organization

Understanding this distinction makes the phrase much easier to interpret. When someone uses it during a lodge or association meeting, they usually mean the welfare of the organization and its members.

Where Does “For the Good of the Order” Come From?

The phrase draws on an older sense of order that refers to an organized body of people. Religious communities, charitable societies, and fraternal organizations have long used formal language to describe their shared duties and collective interests.

The expression fits naturally into these settings because members often gather to discuss organizational matters, plan activities, recognize achievements, and address concerns. Language that emphasizes the welfare of the whole group reflects those responsibilities.

However, the phrase doesn’t have a reliably established single inventor or one universally accepted moment of origin. It is better understood as an expression that developed within the broader tradition of formal organizational language.

Its history also involves a distinction between the phrase itself and its use as a meeting prompt. The underlying idea of acting for a group’s benefit is broader than any one organization. Its familiar use at the end of meetings reflects a particular practical application of that idea.

Connection to Fraternal and Religious Organizations

Fraternal and religious organizations provide a natural setting for this expression. Such groups often have established rules, leadership roles, ceremonies, and shared responsibilities.

Members may work together on charitable projects, provide assistance to one another, preserve traditions, or support local communities. Discussions about the organization’s welfare help them coordinate these activities.

Imagine a lodge preparing for an annual fundraising event. During a meeting, members discuss volunteer assignments, donations, transportation, and publicity. Before the meeting closes, the presiding officer asks whether anyone has anything for the good of the order.

One member then offers to coordinate transportation for older attendees. Another shares information about a local charity that could benefit from the event. These contributions support the organization’s work and may help the people it serves.

The expression also reflects a collective outlook. Members are encouraged to consider how their choices affect the group, not merely their own convenience.

Still, the phrase does not belong exclusively to religious or fraternal organizations. Clubs, associations, committees, and other groups can use it whenever the context calls for a discussion about collective welfare.

Use in Formal Meetings and Parliamentary Procedure

The expression often appears as a meeting prompt near the end of a gathering. A chairperson might ask, “Is there anything for the good of the order?” to invite members to share relevant information before the meeting concludes.

Depending on the organization, this portion of the meeting may allow announcements, brief suggestions, expressions of appreciation, or concerns that affect members. It gives participants an opportunity to raise matters that may not fit neatly under an earlier agenda item.

For example, a community association might have completed its scheduled discussion about finances, upcoming events, and membership. Before closing the meeting, the chairperson invites additional comments. A member mentions a safety issue near the community center, while another reminds everyone about an upcoming volunteer shift.

Both comments could be relevant to the group’s welfare.

However, the phrase does not establish a universal parliamentary rule. Each organization may follow its own bylaws, meeting procedures, or adopted rules. Some use a section called Good of the Order, while others use headings such as General Good and Welfare, Open Forum, or Member Announcements.

These labels can serve similar purposes, but their exact scope depends on the organization. If a group has formal rules governing motions, debate, or agenda items, those rules still apply.

A question about the good of the order doesn’t automatically authorize members to reopen every completed decision or introduce any topic without limits. The chairperson may need to guide the discussion so it remains relevant and respects the meeting’s procedures.

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How Is “For the Good of the Order” Used Today?

Today, the expression can introduce a discussion about what would help an organization and its members. It is particularly suitable for settings where people meet regularly and share responsibilities.

The phrase can cover several kinds of contributions, including:

• Announcements: Sharing information that members need to know.
• Suggestions: Recommending practical improvements.
• Constructive feedback: Identifying problems and proposing solutions.
• Recognition: Thanking members for valuable contributions.
• Community updates: Sharing opportunities to support a local cause.
• Member concerns: Raising issues that affect the group’s work or welfare.

For example, a committee member might report that several volunteers cannot attend weekday events. The group could consider offering a weekend option to improve participation.

Another member might suggest documenting recurring tasks so new volunteers can learn their responsibilities more quickly. Both suggestions focus on the organization’s effectiveness.

The expression can also be used outside a meeting, although it may sound formal or traditional in casual conversation. Someone might say, “Let’s make this change for the good of the order,” when discussing a decision intended to benefit a club or association.

In an informal workplace conversation, however, a simpler expression may sound more natural. You could say, “This would help the whole team,” or “Let’s do what’s best for the group.”

“For the Good of the Order” at Business and Board Meetings

In business settings, the phrase can introduce comments about matters that affect the organization as a whole. A board member might use it to suggest improving communication, reviewing a recurring problem, or coordinating work across departments.

Suppose a small company holds a monthly operations meeting. Employees regularly miss updates because different departments use separate communication channels. One team member suggests creating a shared calendar for deadlines and important announcements.

The suggestion may reduce confusion and save time. It could therefore benefit the wider organization rather than just the person who proposed it.

Other suitable examples include:

• Suggesting a clearer process for reporting equipment problems.
• Recommending additional training for employees who handle customer requests.
• Sharing information about an upcoming deadline that affects several departments.
• Proposing a more accessible meeting time for remote team members.
• Recognizing a colleague whose work helped the entire project succeed.

Although the phrase can work in these situations, it isn’t standard business language everywhere. Some workplaces may find it old-fashioned or overly formal.

In modern professional communication, expressions such as “in the organization’s best interest” or “for the benefit of the team” often communicate the same idea more directly.

“For the Good of the Order” in Clubs, Lodges, and Associations

Clubs, lodges, and membership associations are especially natural settings for this expression. Their members often share goals, participate in events, and make decisions that affect the group.

For example, a neighborhood association might discuss plans for a community garden. During the meeting’s final discussion period, a member announces that a nearby nursery has offered discounted plants. Another member volunteers to organize a watering schedule.

Both contributions support the association’s plans. The first provides useful information, while the second offers practical help.

Here are additional examples of topics that might arise:

• An announcement about an upcoming member event.
• A request for volunteers for a charitable activity.
• A suggestion to improve the accessibility of the meeting venue.
• Information about a shared resource that members can use.
• A reminder about an upcoming deadline or organizational responsibility.

The phrase also allows members to raise relevant concerns. A person might point out that meeting notices arrive too late or that a recurring activity creates scheduling difficulties.

Constructive criticism can serve the good of the order when it identifies a genuine problem and helps the group find a workable solution. The goal is to improve the organization, not embarrass another member or settle a personal disagreement.

“For the Good of the Order” in Everyday Conversation

Outside formal meetings, the expression usually sounds more deliberate than ordinary conversational English. People may use it to emphasize that a choice should benefit the group rather than a single person.

For example, friends organizing a shared trip might disagree about transportation. One person prefers separate cars, while another suggests renting a larger vehicle so everyone can travel together.

Someone could say, “Let’s choose the option that works for everyone, for the good of the order.”

The wording is understandable, although it may sound humorous or playfully formal among friends. A more natural everyday alternative would be, “Let’s do what’s best for everyone.”

The phrase can also appear in conversations about teams, volunteer projects, and shared responsibilities. Its main purpose remains the same: to shift attention from individual preferences toward a common goal.

Examples of “For the Good of the Order” in Sentences

Examples make the phrase easier to understand because its meaning depends partly on context. In most cases, the expression points toward a decision, announcement, or suggestion that could help an organized group.

Here are ten examples across different situations.

Example sentence	Meaning
“We should update the membership directory for the good of the order.”	Keeping contact information current will help the organization communicate.
“Is there anything for the good of the order before we adjourn?”	The chairperson invites relevant comments before ending the meeting.
“She proposed a new volunteer schedule for the good of the order.”	The proposed schedule aims to improve the group’s activities.
“The committee approved the change for the good of the order.”	The committee believes the change benefits the organization.
“He raised the safety concern for the good of the order.”	He brought attention to an issue that affects the group.
“Let’s share the updated event details for the good of the order.”	Sharing the information will help members stay informed.
“The treasurer recommended clearer financial reports for the good of the order.”	Better reporting could improve transparency and accountability.
“She volunteered to train new members for the good of the order.”	Training new members could strengthen the organization.
“The board discussed the proposal in the interest of the good of the order.”	The board considered how the proposal might affect the organization.
“A member suggested moving the meeting to a more accessible venue for the good of the order.”	The suggestion aims to make participation easier for members.

Notice that the phrase doesn’t describe one particular kind of action. It can refer to sharing information, solving problems, improving procedures, or supporting members.

The important factor is the purpose behind the action.

A Practical Example: A Community Association Meeting

Consider a neighborhood association that meets every month to discuss local projects. The chairperson has finished the scheduled agenda and asks whether anyone has anything for the good of the order.

One member mentions that several residents haven’t received notices about upcoming events. Another suggests sending reminders by email and posting announcements at the community center.

A third member offers to maintain the mailing list. The association agrees to discuss the proposal at its next meeting.

This scenario demonstrates several useful points:

• The comments relate directly to the association’s activities.
• Members identify a problem and suggest practical solutions.
• The proposed changes could improve communication for the wider group.
• The chairperson can record any follow-up work that requires further discussion.

The example also highlights an important distinction: a contribution can benefit the group even if it doesn’t solve the problem immediately. Identifying an issue and recommending a next step can still help an organization function more effectively.

A Practical Example: A Workplace Team Meeting

Imagine a project team that frequently misses internal deadlines because employees receive updates at different times. During the final discussion, a team member recommends using one shared task tracker.

The suggestion could help everyone see upcoming deadlines, assigned responsibilities, and project changes. If the team adopts the system, members may spend less time chasing updates and more time completing their work.

In this situation, the phrase for the good of the order communicates the collective purpose of the recommendation. Nevertheless, in a contemporary office, “for the good of the team” would usually sound more natural.

The lesson is simple: the expression is most effective when the speaker can explain the specific benefit behind the proposed action.

What Does “Anything for the Good of the Order?” Mean?

The question “Anything for the good of the order?” is a way to invite members to share relevant comments, announcements, suggestions, or concerns that could benefit their organization.

A chairperson often asks it toward the end of a meeting. The question gives participants a final opportunity to contribute something useful before the group finishes its business.

It doesn’t necessarily mean the speaker expects a formal motion or a major proposal. A brief reminder about an upcoming event or a practical suggestion may be enough.

For example:

Chairperson: “We’ve covered the agenda items. Is there anything for the good of the order?”

Member: “Yes. The community center needs volunteers for Saturday’s event.”

Chairperson: “Thank you. We’ll include the sign-up information in the next member update.”

The exchange illustrates how the phrase works in practice. The chairperson invites relevant contributions, and the member shares information that supports the organization’s activities.

What Can You Bring Up During This Part of a Meeting?

If someone asks whether you have anything for the good of the order, consider whether your comment would help the group.

Suitable contributions might include:

• An upcoming event or deadline.
• A practical suggestion for improving a recurring activity.
• A concern that affects several members.
• A request for volunteers or other organizational support.
• A useful update about shared resources.
• Recognition of a member’s contribution to a group project.

Before speaking, ask yourself three questions:

• Is the information relevant to the organization?
• Will it help members understand an issue or take useful action?
• Can I explain it clearly and respectfully?

If the answer to these questions is yes, your contribution may fit the discussion.

Personal matters aren’t automatically inappropriate. For example, a member might need to explain a scheduling issue that affects their volunteer responsibilities. However, an unrelated personal story may not suit a meeting segment intended for organizational business.

The chairperson may also limit discussion when the meeting’s rules require it. Members should follow the group’s established procedures rather than assuming the phrase opens the floor to every possible topic.

“For the Good of the Order” vs. “For the Sake of Good Order”

These expressions look similar, but they emphasize different ideas. One focuses on the welfare of an organized group, while the other focuses on maintaining proper organization, conduct, or procedure.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right expression.

Expression	Meaning	Example
For the good of the order	For the benefit of an organization or group	“We introduced a new training program for the good of the order.”
For the sake of good order	To preserve orderly conduct or proper procedure	“Please speak one at a time for the sake of good order.”

When to Use “For the Good of the Order”

Use this expression when you want to emphasize an organization’s welfare or the collective interests of its members.

For example:

“The board recommended a clearer complaints process for the good of the order.”

The recommendation aims to improve how the organization handles concerns. Its emphasis falls on the group’s overall welfare.

When to Use “For the Sake of Good Order”

Use this expression when you want to maintain orderly behavior, clear procedures, or an organized environment.

For example:

“The chairperson asked members to wait until they were recognized, for the sake of good order.”

Here, the goal is to maintain an orderly discussion. The sentence doesn’t necessarily describe a broader improvement to the organization.

You can remember the difference this way:

• Good of the order: What benefits the group?
• Good order: What keeps things organized and orderly?

Although the expressions may overlap in some situations, they aren’t interchangeable in every sentence.

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Synonyms and Alternatives to “For the Good of the Order”

The best alternative depends on your audience and the situation. A traditional fraternal organization may prefer the familiar expression, while a modern workplace may favor simpler wording.

The following alternatives communicate related ideas without always carrying the same formal tone.

Alternative	Meaning or use	Example
For the benefit of the group	Emphasizes a shared advantage	“We changed the schedule for the benefit of the group.”
In the organization’s best interest	Suitable for formal decisions	“The board believes the revision is in the organization’s best interest.”
For the common good	Emphasizes a benefit shared by a community	“Members supported the initiative for the common good.”
For everyone’s benefit	Friendly, direct wording	“Let’s document the process for everyone’s benefit.”
For the good of the team	Natural in workplace settings	“We need a clearer handoff process for the good of the team.”
General good and welfare	A formal meeting label used by some organizations	“The chair opened the floor for general good and welfare.”
Open forum	A meeting format that allows broader discussion	“We’ll hold an open forum before the meeting closes.”
Any final comments?	A straightforward meeting question	“Does anyone have any final comments before we adjourn?”

These expressions are related, but their meanings differ slightly. For example, an open forum describes an opportunity for discussion rather than directly stating that a contribution must benefit the organization.

Similarly, “in the organization’s best interest” often suits formal decisions, while “for everyone’s benefit” sounds more conversational.

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Use the wording that best matches the audience and purpose.

• For a formal lodge or association: “Is there anything for the good of the order?”
• For a board meeting: “Does anyone have anything to raise in the organization’s best interest?”
• For a workplace team: “Does anyone have anything that would help the team?”
• For a community group: “Does anyone have any suggestions that could benefit the community?”
• For an informal gathering: “Anything else we should discuss before we finish?”

The simpler alternatives aren’t necessarily better in every situation. If your organization traditionally uses for the good of the order, retaining that wording can preserve familiarity and continuity.

However, if your audience has never heard the expression, a direct alternative may communicate your meaning more clearly.

Is “For the Good of the Order” Still Used Today?

Yes, the expression remains recognizable in some formal associations, fraternal organizations, clubs, and recurring meetings. Its continued use depends on the organization’s traditions, preferred terminology, and meeting practices.

In settings where members regularly use the phrase, it can serve as a familiar prompt for final announcements and general concerns. The wording may also reflect the organization’s established culture.

Other groups use more direct alternatives. A company might ask, “Does anyone have anything else to add?” A volunteer committee may invite “final announcements,” while a community association may reserve time for “general comments.”

These expressions can serve similar practical purposes without sounding as traditional.

It would be misleading to claim that every organization uses the phrase or that its popularity follows one universal pattern. Meeting terminology varies widely between groups, and the wording alone doesn’t establish whether an organization follows a particular set of parliamentary rules.

Why Some Organizations Keep the Expression

Organizations may retain the phrase for several reasons:

• Tradition: Members have used the wording for many years.
• Shared understanding: Regular attendees know what the question means.
• Organizational identity: Formal language can reflect a group’s history and culture.
• Conciseness: The phrase quickly invites members to share relevant contributions.

At the same time, organizations may update their terminology to make meetings more accessible to new members. Clear wording can reduce confusion without changing the underlying purpose of the discussion.

The central idea remains useful regardless of the label: give members a reasonable opportunity to raise information or concerns that matter to the group.

FAQs

1. What does “For the Good of the Order” mean?

“For the Good of the Order” refers to a meeting session where members can discuss matters affecting their organization. It may include announcements, suggestions, concerns, or other topics that support the group’s welfare.

2. Where did the phrase “For the Good of the Order” originate?

The phrase is associated with parliamentary procedure and formal meeting practices. It appears in discussions of meeting agendas, including Robert’s Rules of Order, where similar headings provide time for matters concerning an organization’s general welfare.

3. What is the purpose of the Good of the Order in a meeting?

The purpose is to give members an opportunity to raise important matters that may not fit under regular business. It encourages open communication, shares useful information, and helps the organization address common concerns.

4. Is “Good of the Order” the same as “Open Forum”?

They are similar, but their meanings can vary by organization. Both may allow members to share observations, ask questions, or raise concerns. However, an Open Forum can cover broader topics, while Good of the Order generally focuses on the organization’s welfare.

5. What happens during the Good of the Order portion of a meeting?

Members may make announcements, offer suggestions, discuss organizational activities, or comment on matters affecting the group. The chair typically guides the discussion according to the organization’s meeting rules and established procedures.

6. Can members make motions during the Good of the Order?

It depends on the organization’s rules and the purpose of the session. Some groups use this time for informal discussion without introducing motions. Others may allow certain motions or resolutions, provided they follow the applicable parliamentary procedures.

Conclusion

“For the Good of the Order” is more than a phrase added to a meeting agenda. It gives members a chance to share ideas, raise concerns, make announcements, and discuss matters affecting their organization. Whether your group calls it Good of the Order, General Good and Welfare, or Open Forum, the goal is to encourage useful discussion and support the group’s overall well-being. 

The exact procedures may differ between organizations, so it’s always wise to follow the chair’s guidance and established meeting rules. When used effectively, this part of a meeting helps everyone stay informed, feel heard, and contribute to the organization’s success.