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Parliamentary Basics

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Parliamentary Basics Kim Vitray, SPHR
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Page 1: Parliamentary Basics

Parliamentary BasicsKim Vitray, SPHR

Page 2: Parliamentary Basics

What is parliamentary procedure?Set of rules for conducting business at

meetings, as found in Robert’s Rules of Order (10th edition)“The application of parliamentary law

is the best method yet devised to enable assemblies of any size, with due regard for every member’s opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of questions of varying complexity in a minimum amount of time and under all kinds of internal climate ranging from total harmony to hardened or impassioned division of opinion.”

Page 3: Parliamentary Basics

Why parliamentary procedure?Allows business to be conducted in an

organized and orderly fashionProtects democratic rule and the rights of allAllows full and free yet fair and balanced

deliberation

Page 4: Parliamentary Basics

Making motionsThe way to bring business before the board is to make

a motion“I move that…”

The motion must then be seconded“I second the motion”

The president states the motionThe board debates (discusses) the motionThe president asks if there is further debate or if the

group is ready to vote, restates the motion, and calls for the vote, usually by voice“It is moved and seconded that…”

The president announces the result

Page 5: Parliamentary Basics

Being preparedYou should be prepared to make any motions

that arise out of your board report or your committee’s workDecide and draft what you want the motion to

saySeek assistance from the parliamentarian if

necessaryBring the motion to the board meeting in

writing

Page 6: Parliamentary Basics

A good motion…Is well thought outIs worded in the positive, not the negativeIs specific, including what will be done, by

whom, and by when

Page 7: Parliamentary Basics

Common motions“I move to amend the motion by…”“I move to refer the matter to committee…”“I move the previous question” (to end

debate and take the vote)“I move to postpone discussion until…”

Page 8: Parliamentary Basics

More common motions“I move to amend something previously

adopted, that is, to…”“I move to reconsider the motion that…”“I move to rescind the motion that…”“I request permission to withdraw my

motion”“I request permission to modify my motion”

Page 9: Parliamentary Basics

AmendmentsThree types of amendments

Insert or add wordsStrike out wordsStrike out and insert words

Motion must say exactly where the change is to be made and precisely what words are to be used“I move to amend by adding the words ‘by April 15’ to

the end of the motion.”Must be germane to the main motionVote on amendment first, then resulting main motionCan be secondary amendment

Page 10: Parliamentary Basics

Friendly amendmentThere is no such thing!If it appears to the chair that an amendment

is uncontroversial, she may ask if there is “any objection” to adopting it

Page 11: Parliamentary Basics

About debateYou can speak twice on the same question on

the same day, but cannot speak the second time until everyone who wants to speak their first time has done so

You cannot speak for more than 10 minutes at a time

You should address your remarks to the president, maintain a courteous tone, and avoid injecting anything personal

Your remarks should be germane to the pending motion

Page 12: Parliamentary Basics

Good behaviorRaise your hand to be recognized by the

president in order to speak in debate or make a motion

Use your “classroom” voice so all can hear, particularly the secretary

Keep all board discussion and decisions confidential

Refrain from distracting conversations with your neighbor

Page 13: Parliamentary Basics

Your parliamentary responsibilityRead and become familiar with the

organization’s bylawsLearn and know the basics of parliamentary

procedureBe prepared for board meetingsSpeak and act according to your honest and

considered opinion

Page 14: Parliamentary Basics

Conflict of interestYou should not vote on a question in which

you have a direct personal or pecuniary (monetary) interest not common to other members

However, you cannot be compelled to abstain because of such a conflict of interest

Page 15: Parliamentary Basics

The president’s rolePresides over meetings as “the chair”Ensures that everyone has the

opportunity to speak in debate, and that everyone always understands exactly what they are debating and voting on

Makes every effort to maintain appearance of impartiality

Does not participate in debate unless gives up the chairVotes only if by ballot or if the chair’s vote will change

the resultCalls for a show of hands if a two-thirds vote is

required or if she is not sure of the result

Page 16: Parliamentary Basics

Quorum and majorityQuorum is stated in bylaws

“simple majority of the existing membership of the Board”

Majority is defined in Robert’s Rules as“more than half the votes cast by persons

legally entitled to vote, excluding blanks or abstentions, at a regular or properly called meeting at which a quorum is present”

Page 17: Parliamentary Basics

Unanimous consentEnables a motion to be adopted or some

action to be taken without voting, or even permits taking action without the formality of a motion being made at all

Chair simply asks assembly if there is any objection to taking the action, and if no member objects, declares that the action has been agreed to

Page 18: Parliamentary Basics

Other rulesPoint of order

To point out a violation of the rulesParliamentary inquiry

To ask a question about procedurePoint of information

To ask a question relevant to the business being discussed

Question of privilegeTo interrupt business with an urgent matter

Page 19: Parliamentary Basics

Common mistakesMoving the previous question - this motion

must pass by a two-thirds vote before the main motion is then voted on

Abstentions are not countedMinutes record only what was done, not what

was saidMinutes record motions as they stood when

finally voted on (“The motion was lost or adopted after amendment”)

Minutes record names of those who made motions, not those who seconded them

Page 20: Parliamentary Basics

ResourcesRobert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th editionRobert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in BriefRobert’s Rules Association

www.robertsrules.comNational Association of Parliamentarians

http://parliamentarians.org/American Institute of Parliamentarians

www.aipparl.org/Jurassic Parliament

www.jurassicparliament.com

Page 21: Parliamentary Basics

Kim Vitray, SPHR8609 Karling Dr.

Austin, TX 78724 USA512-928-0859 (home)512-658-8587 (cell)

[email protected]/in/kimvitray

QUESTIONS?


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