Understanding Basic Parliamentary Procedure using Roberts Rules of

Understanding Basic Parliamentary Procedure using Robert’s Rules of Order A simple way to conduct and participate in meetings. Dean Aakre 4 -H Youth Development Specialist

Parliamentary Procedure • Defining parliamentary procedure Parliamentary procedure is the structure in which business is to be conducted by an organization • Robert’s Rules of Order

Parliamentary Procedure Recommended Resource Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11 th Edition http: //www. robertsrules. com/

Parliamentary Procedure basic principles of Robert’s Rules of Order • • Discuss one topic at a time Each idea is entitled to full consideration All members are treated with courtesy The rule of the majority is carried out and the rights of the minority are respected

Robert’s Rules of Order Discuss one topic at a time • Efficiency requires we focus on one decision at a time • The topic (motion) under discussion can be modified through a process we call amendments • Each item, whether a main motion or an amendment is discussed and voted on separately.

Robert’s Rules of Order Each idea is entitled to full consideration • Consideration of a motion (idea) is granted when at least two members think it deserves discussion – that is why a motion must be seconded • Every member who wishes to speak to a motion is granted that opportunity.

Robert’s Rules of Order All members are treated with courtesy • The member making the motion is given the opportunity to speak first • When possible, the chair should alternate speakers between “for” and “against” • When discussion ends, a vote is taken • Any member has the right to request a counted ballot

Robert’s Rules of Order The rule of the majority and the rights of the minority are respected • Generally, a majority of the votes will pass the motion • Sometimes a motion will require more than a simple majority – whenever the rights of some are being limited – most often this will be a 2/3 majority

Common Motions Type of Motion Second required Debatable Amendable Vote When to use or not to use Other notes Adjourn Yes No No Majority May be made at any time, except Privileged motion when another has the floor Lay on the Table Yes No No Majority Subsidiary motion Previous question Yes No No Postpone definitely Yes No Yes Two-thirds, limiting the rights of others to debate Majority Use when the intent is to return to the motion in the same meeting. Do not use when intent is to delay action to another meeting Use to ask the assembly to stop debate and go to a vote. Refer to committee Yes Yes Majority Division of the (House) assembly Committee reports Dispense with reading of the minutes Amendment No No vote Yes Yes Majority Yes No Majority Use when minutes have been provided in written format Incidental motion Yes Majority Use to change a specific part of a motion or an amendment Main motion Yes, if motion is debatable Yes yes Majority (in most situations) Use to bring an item up for action. Can not be made when another motion is on the floor Has lowest rank Subsidiary motion. Requires a vote taken and if affirmative brings the matter being discussed to a vote. Use for the purpose of delaying a Subsidiary motion decision on the impending matter to another assigned time In order during discussion of a Subsidiary motion, pending motion, except when unless made to address another has the floor a matter that is not pending It is a call for verification of the Incidental motion vote taken and may be called for when another has the floor

Parliamentary Procedure Combining meetings of consensus with Robert’s Rules of Order • Many meetings work by discussion until consensus is reached. • Even with this framework, a motion is presented to capture the consensus of the group and presented for official action.

Robert’s Rules of Order Specific Questions • We may not know what our questions are until an issue comes up in a meeting. We will have the opportunity to discuss some of these at your next orientation session. • Think about and bring specific questions for discussion.

Use Robert’s Rules of Order for a simple way to conduct and participate in meetings. April 2016