Introduction to Robert's Rules of Order
1.
What is
Parliamentary Procedure?
2.
Why is
Parliamentary Procedure Important?
3.
Example of
the Order of Business
4.
Motions
What Is
Parliamentary Procedure?
It is a set of rules for conduct
at meetings, that allows everyone to be heard and to
make decisions without confusion.
Why is
Parliamentary Procedure Important?
Because it's a time tested
method of conducting business 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 follow a fixed order of business. Below is a
typical example:
1. Call to
order.
2. Roll
call of members present.
3. Reading
of minutes of last meeting.
4. Officers reports.
5. Committee
reports.
6. Special
orders --- Important business previously designated for consideration at this
meeting.
7. Unfinished
business.
8. New
business.
9. Announcements.
10. 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:
1. Make
motions
2. Second
motions.
3. Debate
motions.
4. Vote on
motions.
There
are four Basic Types of Motions:
1. 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.
2. Subsidiary
Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled, and
is voted on before a main motion.
3. Privileged
Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or
important matters unrelated to pending business.
4. Incidental
Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure
concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.
1. Obtaining
the floor
a. Wait
until the last speaker has finished.
b. Rise and
address the Chairman by saying, "Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President."
c. Wait
until the Chairman recognizes you.
2. Make
Your Motion
a. Speak in
a clear and concise manner.
b. Always
state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than,
"I move that we do not ...".
c. Avoid
personalities and stay on your subject.
3. Wait for
Someone to Second Your Motion
4. Another
member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second.
5. If there
is no second to your motion it is lost.
6. The
Chairman States Your Motion
a. The
Chairman will say, "it has been moved and seconded
that we ..." Thus placing your motion before the membership for
consideration and action.
b. The
membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote.
c. Once
your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes "assembly
property", and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the
members.
7. Expanding
on Your Motion
a. The time
for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than
at the time you present it.
b. The
mover is always allowed to speak first.
c. All
comments and debate must be directed to the chairman.
d. Keep to
the time limit for speaking that has been established.
e. The
mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called
upon by the Chairman.
8. Putting
the Question to the Membership
a. The
Chairman asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question?"
b. If there
is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
c. On a
motion to move the previous question may be adapted.
The method of vote on any motion
depends on the situation and the by-laws of policy of your organization. There
are five methods used to vote by most organizations, they are:
1. By Voice
-- The Chairman asks those in favor to say, "aye",
those opposed to say "no". Any member may move for an exact count.
2. By Roll
Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his name is
called. This method 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 is no objection ..." The membership shows agreement
by their silence, however if one member says, "I object," the item
must be put to a vote.
4. By
Division -- This is a slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require
a count unless the 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.
1. Motion
to Table -- This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill" a
motion. The option is always present, however, to "take from the
table", for reconsideration by the membership.
2. Motion
to Postpone Indefinitely -- This is often used as a means of parliamentary
strategy and allows opponents of motion to test their strength without an
actual 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 will only work if you use
it properly.
1. Allow motions
that are in order.
2. Have
members obtain the floor properly.
3. Speak
clearly and concisely.
4. Obey the
rules of debate.
5. Most
importantly, BE
COURTEOUS.