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Robert’s Rules of Order Marv Nelson SVP, Strategic Initiatives Session Mandate Review 704 pages of parliamentary minutiae AND Make it fun!!! History • English Parliament • American settlers • Thomas Jefferson’s Manual of Parliamentary Practice Henry Martyn Robert • 1876 • Engineer • Instant bestseller Key Source Robert’s Rules in Plain English by Doris Zimmerman Robert’s Rules Purpose of Balance • • • • • • Right of the majority to decide Right of the minority to be heard Rights of individual members Rights of absentees Help, not hinder, decision making Transact business NOT TO EXPLOIT OR SHOWCASE KNOWLEGDGE OF PARLIAMENTARIAN LAW! Basic Rules • Rights of the organization supersede the rights of the individual • All members are equal with equal rights • A quorum must be present to conduct business • Number to get there stated in bylaws • Majority rules • Silence is consent • Majority is of the number of members voting-7/5/2 Basic Rules • • • • One speaker at a time Allow full debate Once decided, issue over for that meeting Stay on the issues and facts, never personal Effective Meetings Role of the Chair – Start on time – Have an agenda and stick to it – Be prepared – Be in control – Be impartial Meeting Agenda • • • • • • • Call to order Welcome Minutes of previous meeting Reports Unfinished business New business Adjourn Emerging Association Trend Strategic agenda vs. Operational agenda Minutes – Do Record • • • • • All adopted or defeated motions Names of motion makers Names of all members giving reports and their topics Names of all elected or appointed members Tally of all votes Minutes – Don’t Record • Discussions and opinions expressed • Motions withdrawn • Entire reports-no attachments Minutes – Other • Be self serving • Look Back Rule — “5 years by strangers” Minutes – First Paragraph • • • • • • • Kind of meeting Name of organization Date and place Presence of the Chair and Secretary or their replacements Presence of a quorum Time of meeting Minutes approved or corrected Minutes – Final Paragraph • Adjournment • Time of adjournment Motions – Proceed with Care • Main motion-begins with “I move”, calls for action step • Secondary motion-while the main motion is on the floor and before the main motion is decided • Privileged motion-emergencies, usually to recess or adjourn, or for lunch Making Motions • • • • • • • • • Address the Chair Recognized by Chair Make the motion – “I move…” Motion is seconded The Chair states the motion If complicated, submit the motion in writing Debate follows Chair restates the motion and calls for vote Chair announces the vote Voting • Majority is the basic default rule – except if a higher or lower % is specifically required • • • • Plurality is the largest # of received votes Majority = 50% + 1 Chair may or may not vote A tie vote loses – does not meet 50% + 1 requirement Voting (2) • Voice vote is the usual method of voting - Chair: “All those in favor, say ‘AYE’” - Chair: “All those opposed, say ‘NO’” Chair decides by what he or she hears If unsure, may ask for a rising vote (stand up) or show of hands • A ballot vote can be used only if ordered by the bylaws or ordered by a group vote • Meant to provide secrecy Questions?