Introduction to Robert's Rules of Order
What Is Parliamentary Procedure?
It is a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allo=
ws
everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion. =
Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important? <=
/span>
Because it's a time tested method of conducting busine=
ss
at meetings and public gatherings. It can be adapted to fit the needs of =
any
organization. Today, Robert's Rules of Order newly revised is the basic
handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups. So =
it's
important that everyone know these basic rules!
Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually fo=
llow
a fixed order of business. Below is a typical example: =
- Call to order. <=
o:p>
- Roll call of mem=
bers
present.
- Reading of minut=
es of
last meeting.
- Officers<=
/span> reports. <=
/o:p>
- Committee report=
s.
- Special orders -=
--
Important business previously designated for consideration at this
meeting.
- Unfinished busin=
ess.
- New business.
- Announcements. <=
o:p>
- Adjournment.
The method used by members to express themselves
is in the form of moving motions. A motion is a proposal that the entire
membership take action or a stand on an issue. Individual members can:
- Call to order. <=
o:p>
- Second motions. =
- Debate motions. =
- Vote on motions.=
There are four Basic Types of Motions:
- Main Motions: The
purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for
their consideration. They cannot be made when any other motion is on=
the
floor, and yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions. =
- Subsidiary Motio=
ns:
Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled, a=
nd
is voted on before a main motion.
- Privileged Motio=
ns:
Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or
important matters unrelated to pending business. <=
/li>
- Incidental Motio=
ns:
Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure concern=
ing
other motions and must be considered before the other motion. <=
/o:p>
How are Motions Presented? =
- Obtaining the fl=
oor
- Wait until the =
last
speaker has finished.
- Rise and addres=
s the
Chairman by saying, "Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President."
- Wait until the
Chairman recognizes you.
- Make Your Motion=
- Speak in a clea=
r and
concise manner.
- Always state a =
motion
affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, &qu=
ot;I
move that we do not ...".
- Avoid personali=
ties
and stay on your subject.
- Wait for Someone=
to
Second Your Motion
- Another member w=
ill
second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second.
- If there is no s=
econd
to your motion it is lost.
- The Chairman Sta=
tes
Your Motion
- The Chairman wi=
ll
say, "it has been moved and seconde=
d that
we ..." Thus placing your motion before the membership for
consideration and action.
- The membership =
then
either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote.
- Once your motio=
n is
presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes "assemb=
ly
property", and cannot be changed by you without the consent of=
the
members.
- Expanding on Your
Motion
- The time for yo=
u to
speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than=
at
the time you present it.
- The mover is al=
ways
allowed to speak first.
- All comments and
debate must be directed to the chairman.
- Keep to the time
limit for speaking that has been established.
- The mover may s=
peak
again only after other speakers are finished, unless called upon by=
the
Chairman.
- Putting the Ques=
tion
to the Membership
- The Chairman as=
ks,
"Are you ready to vote on the question?"
- If there is no =
more
discussion, a vote is taken.
- On a motion to =
move
the previous question may be adapted.
Voting on a Motion:
The method of vote on any motion depends on the situat=
ion
and the by-laws of policy of your organization. There are five methods us=
ed
to vote by most organizations, they are:
1. By Voice -- The Chair=
man
asks those in favor to say, "aye", t=
hose
opposed to say "no". Any member may move for a
exact count.
2. By Roll Call -- Each =
member
answers "yes" or "no" as his name is called. This met=
hod
is used when a record of each person's vote is required.
3. By General Consent --=
When
a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chairman says, "if there i=
s no
objection ..." The membership shows agreement by their silence, howe=
ver
if one member says, "I object," the item must be put to a vote.=
4. By Division -- This i=
s a
slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require a count unless t=
he
chairman so desires. Members raise their hands or stand.
5. By Ballot -- Members =
write
their vote on a slip of paper, this method is =
used
when secrecy is desired.
There
are two other motions that are commonly used that relate to voting. =
- Motion to Table =
--
This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill" a motio=
n.
The option is always present, however, to "take from the
table", for reconsideration by the membership.
- Motion to Postpo=
ne
Indefinitely -- This is often used as a means of parliamentary strat=
egy
and allows opponents of motion to test their strength without an act=
ual
vote being taken. Also, debate is once again open on the main motion=
.
Parliamentary
Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings. But, it wi=
ll
only work if you use it properly.
- Allow motions th=
at are
in order.
- Have members obt=
ain
the floor properly.
- Speak clearly and
concisely.
- Obey the rules of
debate.
Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS.
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