PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Click Here
for a Table of Motions! Parliamentary procedure insures the most efficient handling of
business at any organized meeting. Meetings must be run by rules which all
members understand and accept. Here are the basic elements of parliamentary
procedure which are used by organizations all over the world. This packet has
been organized to provide a condensed and systematic form of these rules. The object of parliamentary procedure is to assist the assembly
to accomplish the work for which it was designated. To do this, it is necessary
to restrain the individual somewhat as the right of an individual to do what
he/she pleases is incompatible with the interests of the whole. Whether an officer or member of any group, you can function
more efficiently with a basic understanding of fair and efficient procedure.
NACURH uses parli-pro as a tool to run effective meetings and fairly carry out
the goals of the organization. In order for that to occur, basic knowledge of
parli-pro is needed by all, especially the NCCs.
Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules which, if used correctly, help a group run a meeting without confusion and without waste of time or effort. There are three basic ideas behind the rules:
1. All persons in the group are equal; the rights of one are the rights of all.
2. The will of the majority will be carried out, but only after the minority has had a fair chance to have its say.
3. Plain old common sense.
How much do I have to know?If you are able to make a simple motion, to make an amendment to a motion, to take a vote and to use several special procedures, you will know 90 percent of what is necessary to run a usual meeting or to participate as a member. Once you can do these few things smoothly, you can learn the rest as you go along.
Main motions:
Purpose: To present an item of business to the assembly for consideration.
Steps:
1. Obtain recognition from the Chairperson.
2. State motion in concise way -- "I move that . . ."
3. Another member seconds motion.
4. Chairperson calls for debate.
5. Chairperson puts motion to a vote and announces the results.
Amendments:
Purpose: To modify a motion. An amendment is made in the same way as a main motion. You would simply state, "I move to amend the motion by. . ."
Ways to amend:
1. To strike words.
2. To add words.
3. To strike out and add words.
4. To divide the motion into two (2) or more motions.
5. To strike the entire motion and substitute a new motion on the same subject.
An amendment can be amended once. Amended motions are disposed of in reverse order by which they were brought up. If a motion has an amendment and an amendment to the amendment, then the second amendment is discussed and voted on first. Then the first amendment is discussed and voted on as amended, and finally the motion is discussed and voted on as amended.
Note: Robert’s Rules of Order does not recognize "friendly amendments," and it is suggested that they are not recognized.
The Vote
Ways to vote:
Regular procedures
The Director/Chairperson usually appoints a parliamentarian for each meeting. This person must have good knowledge of parliamentary procedure, and will settle all parli-pro related disputes.
Usually only voting members have the right to second motions, while anyone in attendance can speak or propose a motion. If a voting member fails to second a motion, the motion dies.
A quorum is usually required to conduct business. Quorum usually consists of at least 50% plus one (1) of voting membership (NCCs) to be in attendance in order to conduct business. Many constitutions have stricter or more lenient numbers for quorum.
Minutes of each meeting should be taken by the Associate Director or other officer. Minutes should be distributed as soon as possible following a meeting, and minutes from the previous meeting should be reviewed and approved at the beginning of each meeting. An original copy of these minutes should be kept as records.
Rules and procedures may be suspended by voting members by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. Constitutions, bylaws, and the rules of parli-pro cannot be suspended at any time.
The Director or Chairperson has the right not to recognize any motion, meaning it cannot come up for discussion. Voting members (NCCs) may appeal this (and any other) decision of the chair with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.