“THIS MEETING WILL

COME TO ORDER”

Parlimentary Procedure

THIS MEETING WILL COME TO ORDER!!

Goals of the ProgramOverviewTypes of AssembliesBasic Principles of Parliamentary ProcedureKinds of Rules

GOALS OF THE PROGRAMUnderstand the basic conceptsDevelop skills in making motions, reports and problem solvingEnable member’s full participation in business meetings

WHAT WE WILL COVERDefinitionsBasic PrinciplesMotionsVoting MethodsAgenda

Parliamentary Procedure“The objective of parliamentary procedure is to insure the right of the minority to be heard but serve the majority opinion”

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Set of finite rules covering a set of circumstances

Not arbitrarily set

Evolved since the 5th century

Establish an order, fair approach to decision making

Universally recognized

FOREMOST AUTHORITYROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER

All rules discussed can be found in Robert’s Rules of Order

TYPES OF ASSEMBLIESMass meetings; accomplish goals and objectivesLegislative bodies; enact lawsConventions; meetings of delegatesEstablished organizations

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PARIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Consider one thing at a timeEnsure justice, courtesy and equal treatment to all membersServe the will of the majorityPreserve the right of the minority to be heard

CONSIDER ONE THING AT A TIME

The most recently made motion is the immediate pending questionIt’s the only one to occupy the current discussion

ENSURE JUSTICE, COURTESY AND EQUAL TREATMENT TO ALL MEMBERS

Basic rights and privileges of membershipCourteous and polite mannerAmple opportunity for an effective expression of opinion

SERVE THE WILL OF THE MAJORITY

Majority rulesThe most basic tenet of democracy

PRESERVE THE RIGHT OF THE MINORITY TO BE HEARD

Safeguard the right of the minority to be heard

Guard the minority opinionRight to full expression

OVERVIEW OF THE RULESLaws of the LandCorporate CharterBy LawsPoliciesConvention Standing RulesParliamentary Procedure

KINDS OF RULESLaws of the Land

Paramount rules that govern usMay not enact rules that violate civil law

KINDS OF RULESCorporate Charter

Names the organizationClearly states objective

KINDS OF RULESBy Laws

Set limitsOfficers and Committee’s dutiesChain of commandNotice well in advance to amendMay never be suspended

KINDS OF RULESConvention Standing Rules

Specifically designed to make the business of the delegates run smoothly

KINDS OF RULESParliamentary Procedure

Rules that speak to the mechanics of a business meetingIf the bylaws and policies are silent, then Parliamentary rule prevails

DECORUMEstablish practices and customs for procedure

How we conduct ourselves at meetingsWhat we say, when, and to whom

EXAMPLES OF DECORUMRemarks by members are made by and thru the chairOnly one person may occupy the floor at a timeCan only claim the floor if assigned by the presiding officerShow courtey for an office; use of titles

LET’S REVIEW

MOTIONSMain motion

A mechanism to introduce business for consideration

ANATOMY OF A MOTIONMember receives recognitionStates the motionAnother member seconds the motionChair states the question on the motionMembers debate the motionChair puts the questionChair announces the result

RECEIVE RECOGNITIONFrom the meeting chairChair will assign you the floorLarge meeting/Convention

Go to a microphoneCheck to see if pro and con microphones are designated

Smaller meetings – raise your hand

STATE THE MOTIONBegin with “I move that . . .”Conclude with the exact wording of your motion

Use straightforward languageStated in the positiveContains only one proposal

ANOTHER MEMBER SECONDS THE MOTION

“Second” or “I second the motion”Without a second the motion dies for lack of a secondAny comment about the motion is considered to be a secondA member is allowed to second a motion that they oppose

CHAIR STATES THE MOTION“It has been moved and seconded that we … (stating the motion’s exact words). Is there any discussion?

EXAMPLE OF A PROPERLY WORDED MOTION

“ I move that we operate a concession stand at all home games to benefit the marching band’s Uniform Fund”

MEMBERS DEBATE THE QUESTION

Members may fully express their opinionsMembers need to understand the rules of debateMotion to limit or extend the limits of debateCannot yield unexpired timeDirect all questions to the chairAppropriate timer for motions that will improve or dispose of the existing motion

DEBATE TIPS FOR THE CHAIRWhen presiding over a debate

Alternate the pro and con Be courteous to everyoneBe sure that the precise question is knownUse rules of time and decorumBe sensitive to the groups wishesBe ready to put the question to a vote as soon as the group is ready

CHAIR PUTS THE QUESTIONNo further discussionPut the question to a voteRepeat the question clearlyGive precise instructionsAnnounce the results

“The yeses have it, the motion is carried, and the Concession Stand committee is ordered to begin wok on the project.”