A Quick Guide to Robert’s Rules of Order How do I make a motion? • To bring business before the assembly (a main motion): “I move that [or “to”] • To modify wording of motion: “I move the amend the motion by…” • To kill main motion: “I move that the motion be postponed indefinitely.” • To refer motion to the committee: “I move to refer the motion to…” • To postpone to a certain time: “I move to postpone to the motion to…” • To limit or extend debate: “I move that debate be limited to…” • To close debate: “I move the previous question.” • To lay aside temporarily: “I move to lay the question on the table.” • To make follow agenda: “I call for the orders of the day.” • To register complaint: “I rise to a question of privilege.” • To take a break: “I move to recess for…” • To close meeting: “I move to adjourn.”
How do i amend a motion? • To modify wording of the motion: “I move to amend the motion by…” • To cancel a previous action: “I move to rescind/amend something previously adopted.”
When do i need a majority vote vs. 2/3? A majority vote is needed for the following motions • To bring business before the assembly (a main motion) • To modify wording of motion • To kill main motion • To refer motion to the committee • To postpone to a certain time • To lay aside temporarily • To take a break • To close meeting A 2/3 vote is needed for the following motions: • To limit or extend debate • To close debate No vote is needed for the following motions • To make follow agenda • To register complaint
What is the purpose of a consent agenda, and do i need a vote to approve it?
DO i Need A Second?
A consent agenda (or consent calendar, according to Robert’s Rules) allows the board to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine, non-controversial items into a group whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote.
A second is not needed for a call to follow the agenda or to register a complaint. A second is needed for all previous motions.
Any items on the consent agenda are deemed as “accepted” unless further discussion is warranted.
Roles Chair: • Lead meeting • Propose motions, etc.
Vice Chair: • Assist chair • Learn parliamentary and meeting procedureds • Substitute if chair is unavailable
Committee Members: • Attend all meetings prepared with questions
Questions? Contact your staff liasion here.
division officer: • Attend committee meetings under their division • Present reports and motions to the Board of Directors for approval