From Bylaws, Article XIII "Parliamentary Authority": The rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the League in all cases in which such rules are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the League’s Articles of Amendment, these Bylaws, or with the policies and procedures adopted by the League.
Parliamentary Procedure for Meetings
Robert's Rules of Order is the standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making. Copies of the rules are available at most bookstores and at libraries. Having a set of rules makes meetings run easier. These processes are designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate and to share ideas in an orderly manner. Parliamentary procedure should not be used to prevent discussion of important issues.
Basic elements of Robert's Rules (this is not a full list, but the basics to help any meeting run better)
1. Motion: To introduce new business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that..."). A second motion must then also be made (raise hand and say, "I second it"). After limited discussion, the group votes on the motion.
2. Postpone Indefinitely: This tactic is used to kill a motion. When passed, the motion cannot be reintroduced at that meeting. It may be brought up again at a later date. This is made as a motion ("I move to postpone indefinitely..."). A second is required. A majority vote is required to postpone the motion under consideration.
3. Amend: This is the process used to change a motion under consideration. Raise hand and make the motion: "I move to amend the motion on the floor." This also requires a second. After motion to amend is seconded, a majority vote is needed to decide whether the amendment is accepted. Then a vote is taken on the amended motion.
4. Commit: This is used to place a motion in committee. It requires a second. A majority vote must rule to carry it. At the next meeting, the committee is required to prepare a report on the motion committed. If an appropriate committee exists, the motion goes to that committee. If not, a new committee is established.
5. Question: To end a debate immediately, the question is called (say "I call the question") and needs a second. A vote is held immediately (no further discussion allowed). A two-thirds vote is required. If it is passed, the motion on the floor is voted on immediately.
6. Table: To table a discussion is to lay aside the business at hand in such a manner that it will be considered later in the meeting or at another time ("I make a motion to table this discussion until the next meeting. In the meantime, we will get more information so we can better discuss the issue."). A second is needed and a majority vote required to table the item being discussed.
7. Adjourn: A motion is made to end the meeting. A second motion is required. A majority vote is then required for the meeting to be adjourned (ended).
Note: If more than one motion is proposed, the most recent takes precedence over the ones preceding it. For example, if a motion to table the discussion is proposed, it must be voted on a motion to amend can be decided.
Tips in Parliamentary Procedure
The following summary will help you determine when to use the actions described in Robert's Rules.
· A main motion must be moved, seconded, and stated by the chair before it can be discussed.
· If you want to move, second, or speak to a motion, stand and address the chair.
· If you approve the motion as is, vote for it.
· If you disapprove the motion, vote against it.
· If you approve the idea of the motion but want to change it, amend it or submit a substitute for it.
· If you want advice or information to help you make your decision, move to refer the motion to an appropriate quorum or committee with instructions to report back.
· If you feel they can handle it better than the assembly, move to refer the motion to a quorum or committee with power to act.
· If you feel that there the pending question(s) should be delayed so more urgent business can be considered, move to lay the motion on the table.
· If you want time to think the motion over, move that consideration be deferred to a certain time.
· If you think that further discussion is unnecessary, move the previous question.
· If you think that the assembly should give further consideration to a motion referred to a quorum or committee, move the motion be recalled.
· If you think that the assembly should give further consideration to a matter already voted upon, move that it be reconsidered.
· If you do not agree with a decision rendered by the chair, appeal the decision to the assembly.
· If you think that a matter introduced is not germane to the matter at hand, a point of order may be raised.
· If you think that too much time is being consumed by speakers, you can move a time limit on such speeches.
· If a motion has several parts, and you wish to vote differently on these parts, move to divide the motion.