Parliamentary procedure provides rules and guidelines to enable groups to come together to discuss and make
decisions in a consistent manner. Most organizations with a governing body adhere to some form of
parliamentary procedure, with many using Robert’s Rules of Order, a manual of rules and practices to help
conduct fair and efficient meetings. As parliamentary procedure can be complex at times, here is a helpful guide to common terms and actions.
A quorum must be present, meaning the minimum number of voting members of the deliberative body must be
present for any action to be taken.
A motion is a proposal that the entire board membership act or stand on an issue and moves an item to
discussion.
There are several types of motions, including:
- Main Motion: Introduce a new item.
- Subsidiary Motion: Change or affect how to handle a main motion (vote on this before main motion).
- Privileged Motion: Urgent or important matter unrelated to pending business.
- Incidental Motion: Questions procedure of other motions (must consider before the other motion).
- Motion to Table: Kills a motion.
- Motion to Postpone: Delays a vote (can reopen debate on the main motion).
Every Motion Has 6 Steps:
- Motion: A member rises or raises a hand to signal the chairperson.
- Second: Another member seconds the motion.
- Restate Motion: The chairperson restates the motion.
- Debate: The members debate the motion.
- Vote: The chairperson restates the motion, and then first asks for affirmative votes, and then negative
- votes.
- Announce the Vote: The chairperson announces the result of the vote and any instructions
Main Motion
-You want to propose a new idea or action.
“Chairperson, I move that
Amending a motion
-You want to change some of the wording that is being discussed. “Chairperson, I move that the motion be amended by adding/striking the following words
Refer to a Committee
You feel that an idea or proposal being discussed needs further research or investigation.
“Chairperson, I move that the question be referred to the _____ Committee.
Postpone a Motion Definitely or Indefinitely
You want to have more time to consider a motion or kill a motion on the table. “Chairperson, I move to postpone the question until .” or “Chairperson, I move to postpone the question indefinitely.”
Recess
You want to take a break.
“Chairperson, I move to recess for 10 minutes.”
Adjourn
You want the meeting to end.
“Chairperson, I move to adjourn the meeting.”
Source: Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 12th Edition (RONR)
To purchase your copy of Robert’s Rules of Order, please visit: https://robertsrules.com