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

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Presiding officer/Chair-The individual who facilitates the meeting, usually the Chair. In the absence of the Chair,the Vice Chair is next. Role of the Chair •To introduce business in proper order per the agenda •To recognize speakers •To determine if a motion is in order •To keep discussion focused on the pending motion •To maintain order •To put motions to a vote and announce results General procedure for Handling a Main Motion •A member must obtain the floor by being recognized by the chair • Member makes a main motion •A motion must be seconded by another member before it can be considered • If the motion is in order,the chair will restate the motion and open debate •The maker of a motion has the right to speak first in debate •The main motion is debated along with any secondary motions that are debatable • Debate on secondary motions take precedence over debate on the main motion and must be decided before debate on the main motion can continue. • Debate is closed when: Discussion has ended, or A 2/3 vote closes debate. •The chair restates the motion, and if necessary clarifies the consequences of affirmative and negative votes •The chair calls for a vote by asking"All in favor?"Those in favor say"Aye."Then asking"All opposed?"Those opposed will say"no". In the alternative,the Chair may call for a roll call vote where members vote individually in succession. •The chair announces the result General rules of Debate for small Boards •All discussion must be relevant to the immediately pending question • No member should speak more than twice to each debatable motion.The second time takes place after everyone wishing to debate the motion has had an opportunity to speak once •All remarks should be addressed to the chair-no cross debate is permitted • Debate must address issues not personalities •When possible,the chair should let the floor alternate between those speaking in support and those speaking in opposition to the motion • Members may not disrupt the assembly • Discussion is limited to board members and does not include audience members or others Reminders for Recorded Discussions • Members should speak one at a time and not interrupt one another • Members should state their name before speaking so the recording is clear • Members should wait to be announced or called upon by the Chair before speaking