Comm. 24-050 - Basics of Robert's Rules

Home

Robert's Rules of Order Comm. 24-050 The Basics for Small Boards Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for conducting orderly meetings that accomplish goals fairly. Benefits of parliamentary procedure include the following: •Justice and courtesy for all • Maintenance of order • Consideration of one item at a time •All sides get heard •Ability for each member to provide input • Majority rule (votes do no need to be unanimous) • Protection of the rights of all members including the minority Basic Principles •A quorum must be present for business to be conducted •All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations • No person should speak until recognized by the chair • Personal remarks or side discussions are out of order • Only one question at a time may be considered, and only one person may have the floor at any one time • Members have a right to know what the pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken • Full and free discussion of every main motion is a basic right •A majority decides a question except when a rule provides otherwise •The Chair should remain impartial. Three Steps of Parliamentary Debate • Fact finding:Acceptance of public testimony, participant presentations and other input of information. This is the board member's opportunity to ask factual questions to complete their understanding of the matter • Discussion: Once fact finding is complete, a board member may make a motion to open discussion amongst the board members. Following a second from another board member, the board members are free to discuss the motion amongst themselves. •Vote: Once discussion has concluded,the board members will vote on the motion. The vote will close discussion on this motion. Basic Definitions Motion—A formal proposal made to bring a subject before an assembly for its consideration and action. Begins with"I move that..." Second—A statement by a member who agrees that the motion made by another member be considered. Stated as"Second,"or"I second the motion." A member may provide a second for purposes of opening discussion without agreeing with the motion. Amendment—Before the vote is taken on a motion, it may be amended by: • Striking out words • Inserting or adding words • Striking out words and inserting others in their place • Substituting one (1) paragraph or resolution for another