Robert’s
Rules of Order
ABATE meetings are run using Roberts Rules of Order.
This is a summary of motions. This a small part of Robert's Rules.
Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things
done at your meetings. But, it will only work if you use it properly.
- Allow motions that are in order.
- Have members obtain the floor properly.
- Speak clearly and concisely.
- Obey the rules of debate.
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!
Back to Top
Example of a Fixed Order of Business
Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed
order of business. Below is a typical example:
- Call to order.
- Roll call of members present.
- Reading of minutes of last meeting.
- Officers reports.
- Committee reports.
- Special orders --- Important business
previously designated for consideration at this meeting.
- Unfinished business.
- New business.
- Announcements.
- Adjournment.
Back to Top
Motions
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.
- Second motions.
- Debate motions.
- Vote on motions.
Back to Top
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 Motions: Their purpose is to
change or affect how a main motion is handled, and is voted on before a
main motion.
- Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to
bring up items that are urgent about special or important matters
unrelated to pending business.
- Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to
provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and
must be considered before the other motion.
Back to Top
How are Motions Presented?
- Obtaining the floor
- Wait until the last speaker has finished.
- Rise and address the Chairman by saying,
"Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President."
- Wait until the Chairman recognizes you.
- Make Your Motion
- Speak in a clear and concise manner.
- Always state a motion affirmatively. Say,
"I move that we ..." rather than, "I move that we do not ...".
- Avoid personalities and stay on your
subject.
- Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion
- Another member will second your motion or
the Chairman will call for a second.
- If there is no second to your motion it is
lost.
- The Chairman States Your Motion
- The Chairman will say, "it has been moved
and seconded 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 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.
- Expanding on Your Motion
- 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.
- The mover is always 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 speak again only after other
speakers are finished, unless called upon by the Chairman.
- Putting the Question to the Membership
- The Chairman asks, "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.
Back to Top
Voting on a Motion: 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:
- By Voice -- The Chairman asks those in
favor to say, "aye", those opposed to say "no". Any member may move for
a exact count.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a
slip of paper, this method is used when secrecy is desired.
Back to Top
2 Common Motions
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 motion. The option is always present,
however, to "take from the table", for reconsideration by the
membership.
- 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.
Back to Top
|
