Subject: Simplified Robert Rule

From: [email-masked] ( )
Date: Mon, 27 Sep 93 23:45:49 -0400

I found this article is very easy to understand and follow.
It will help us to have a better meeting in the future.
It is a must read if you don't have time to read through the whole Robert Rules.

Excerpt from FCSSC News Release 5-07:
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  4. Introduction to Robert's Rules of Order
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From: Xiaohua QU <[email-masked]>  Wed, 23 Jun 1993 13:35:01 -0400

[Editor's Note: "Robert's Rules of Order" is mentioned in the FCSSC
Constitution.  This brief introduction may help readers to understand the main
points of the Rules.]

What Is Parliamentary Procedure?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
      It is a set of rules for conduct at meetings, that allows everyone to
be heard and to make decisions without confusion.

Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
      It is a time tested method of conducting business at meetings
and public gatherings and it can be adapted to fit the needs of any
organization.  Today, Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, is the basic
handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups.
So it's important that everyone knows these basic rules!

      Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed
order of business.  Below is a typical example:
   1. Call to order.
   2. Roll call of members present.
   3. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting.
   4. Officers reports.
   5. Committee reports.
   6. Special orders --- Important business previously designated for
      consideration at this meeting.
   7. Unfinished business.
   8. New business.
   9. Announcements.
   10. Adjournment.

      The method used by members to express themselves is in the form of
moving motions.  A motion is a proposal concerning some issue that the entire
membership can take action on or make a stand on.  Individual members can:
   1. Call to order.
   2. Second motions.
   3. Debate motions.
   4. Vote on motions.

There are Four Basic Types of Motions:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
   1. Main Motions:  The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to
      the membership for their consideration.  They cannot be made when any
      other motion is on the floor, and yield to privileged, subsidiary, and
      incidental motions.
   2. Subsidiary Motions:  Their purpose is to change or affect how a main
      motion is handled, and are voted on before a main motion.
   3. Privileged Motions:  Their purpose is to bring up urgent items about
      special or important matters unrelated to pending business.
   4. Incidental Motions:  Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning
      procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before
      other motions.

How are Motions Presented?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
   1. Obtaining the floor
      a) Wait until the last speaker has finished.
      b) Rise and address the Chairman by saying "Mr. Chairman" or
         "Mr. President".
      c) Wait until the Chairman recognizes you.
   2. Make Your Motion
      a) Speak in a clear and concise manner.
      b) Always state a motion affirmatively.  Say, "I move that we ..."
         rather than, "I move that we do not ...".
      c) Avoid personalities and stay on your subject.
   3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion
      a) Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call
         for a second.
      b) If there is no second to your motion, it is lost.
   4. The Chairman States Your Motion
      a) The Chairman will say, "It has been moved and seconded that we ...",
         thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration
         and action.
      b) The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly
         to a vote.
      c) Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it
         becomes "assembly property", and cannot be changed by you without
         the consent of the members.
   5. Expanding on Your Motion
      a) The time for you to speak in favour of your motion is at this time,
         rather than at the time you present it.
      b) The mover is always allowed to speak first.
      c) All comments and debate must be directed to the chairman.
      d) Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established.
      e) The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished,
         unless called upon by the Chairman.
   6. Putting the Question to the Membership
      a) The Chairman asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question?"
      b) If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
      c) On a motion to move, the previous question may be adapted.

Voting on a Motion:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
      The method of vote on any motion depends on the situation and the
by-laws or policy of your organization.  There are five voting methods used
by most organizations.  They are:
   1. By Voice -- The Chairman asks those in favour to say, "aye", and those
      opposed to say "no".  Any member may move for a exact count.
   2. By Roll Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his name is called.
      This method is used when a record of each person's vote is required.
   3. By General Consent -- When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the
      Chairman says, "If there is no objection ...".  The membership shows
      agreement by their silence, however if one member says "I object",
      the item must be put to a vote.
   4. By Division -- This is a slight variation of the voice vote.  It does
      not require a count unless the chairman so desires.  Members raise their
      hands or stand.
   5. By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a slip of paper.  This method
      is used when secrecy is desired.

      There are two other motions that are commonly used that relate to voting:

   1. Motion to Table -- This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill"
      a motion.  The option is always present, however, to "take from the
      table", for reconsideration by the membership.
   2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely -- This is often used as a means of
      parliamentary strategy and allows opponents of a motion to test their
      strength without an actual vote being taken.  Also, debate is once
      again open on the main motion.

      Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your
meetings, however, it will work only if you use it properly.
   1. Allow motions that are in order.
   2. Have members obtain the floor properly.
   3. Speak clearly and concisely.
   4. Obey the rules of debate.
   5. Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS.

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