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The A-B-C’s of Parliamentary Procedure |
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The A-B-C’s of Parliamentary Procedure What is Parliamentary Procedure? It is a Set Of Rules for conduct at meetings.
- It allows Everyone to be heard and to make decisions… without confusion!
Parliamentary Procedure has a Long History It originated in the early English Parliaments (discussions of public affairs).It came to America with the first settlers. It became uniform in 1876, when Henry M. Robert published his manual on Parliamentary Law
Parliamentary Procedure Today… Robert’s Rules Of Order Newly Revised is the basic handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups.
Why is Parliamentary Procedure important? Because it is a time-tested method of conducting business at meetings and public gatherings
Parliamentary Procedure means:
Democratic rule Flexibility Protection of rights A fair hearing for everyone It can be adapted to fit the needs of any organization.
So it is important that everyone know these Basic Rules… Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed Order Of Business… Overview: A Typical Order Of Business Call To OrderRoll Call MinutesOfficers’ ReportsCommittee Reports Special OrdersUnfinished BusinessNew BusinessAnnouncementsAdjournment
Typical Order Of Business (1 of 3) The chairperson says, “The meeting will please come to order.” Members say “present” as their names are called. The secretary reads a record of the last meeting. Often limited to a report from treasurer, but others may report at this time. Typical Order Of Business (2 of 3) First come reports from “standing,” or permanent committees; then from “ad hoc,” or special committees. Important business previously designated for consideration at this meeting. Business left over from previous meetings. Typical Order Of Business (3 of 3) Introduction of new topics. Informing the assembly of other subjects and events. The meeting ends by a vote, or by general consent (or by chair’s decision if time or adjournment was prearranged by vote). Quorum The number of members that must be present for business to be conducted legally.
The actual number is usually stated in the bylaws.
How Do Members Get Their Say? What Is A Motion? - A motion is a proposal that the assembly Take A Stand or Take Action on some issue.
Members can: Make a proposal Express support for discussion of another member’s proposal Give opinions on the motion Make a decision There are 4 General Types of Motions Main Motions Introduce subjects to the assembly for its consideration. They cannot be made when another motion is before the assembly They yield to privileged, subsidiary and incidental motions.
Subsidiary Motions Change or affect how the main motion is handled (voted on before the main motion).
Privileged Motions Are most urgent. . . About special or important matters not related to pending business.
Incidental Motions Are questions of procedure that arise out of other motions. . .must be considered before the other motion.
Review handout: “Parliamentary Procedure …at a glance” How Do I Present My Motion? 1. Obtain the Floor Wait until the last speaker is finished.
Rise and address the chair. Say, ”Mr. (or Madam) Chairperson” or “Mr. (or Madam) President.”
2. Make Your Motion Speak clearly and concisely.
State your motion affirmatively. Say, “I move that we. . .” instead of “I move that we do not . . .”
Avoid personalities and stay on the subject.
3. Wait For A Second Another member will say, “I second the motion.”
Or the chair will call for a second.
If there is no second, your motion will not be considered.
4. Chair States Your Motion The chairperson must say, “It is moved and seconded that we . . .
After this happens, debate or voting can occur.
Your motion is now “assembly property” and you can’t change it without consent of the members.
5. Expand On Your Motion Mover is allowed to speak first.
Direct all comments to the chairmen.
Keep to the time limit for speaking.
You may speak again after all other speakers are finished.
You may speak a third time by a motion to suspend the rules with a 2/3 vote.
6. Putting The Question The chairperson asks,” Are you ready for the question?”
If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
Or motion for previous question may be adopted.
The Method of Vote On A Motion depends on the situation and on the laws of your organization... By Voice The chairperson asks those in favor to say “aye” and those opposed to say “no.”
Member may move for exact count.
By Roll Call If a record of each person’s vote is needed, each member answers “yes,” “no” or “present” (indicating the choice not to vote) as his or her name is called.
By Show Of Hands Members raise their hands as sight verification of or alternative to voice a veto.
It does not require a count.
Member may move for exact count.
By Ballot Members write their vote on a slip of paper.
Done when secrecy is desired.
By General Consent When a motion isn’t likely to be opposed, the chairperson says, “If there is no objection . . .” Members show agreement by their silence.
If someone says, ”I Object,” the matter must be put to a vote.
. . .More About Voting A question (motion) is Pending when it has been stated by the chair but not yet voted.
The last motion stated by the chair is the first pending.
The MAIN MOTION is always the last voted on.
A Motion to Table (lay on the table) This motion is used to lay something aside temporarily to take care of a more urgent matter.
There is always the option to “take from the table” any motion for reconsideration by the assembly.
A Motion To Postpone Indefinitely This is parliamentary strategy– allows members to dispose of a motion without making a decision for or against.
It is useful in case of badly chosen main motion for which either “yes or “no” vote would have undesirable consequences.
Summary - Parliamentary Procedure is the Best Way to Get Things Done at meetings. BUT…
It only works if you use it right! Make Motions that are in order
Obtain The Floor properly
Speak clearly and concisely
Obey the rules of debate…and most of all,
Be Courteous That’s always in order!
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 July 2009 )
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