Roberts Rules of Order
Introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order
Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and make decisions with minimal confusion. Parliamentary procedure is important because it is a method for conducting business that can be adapted for the needs of any organization. Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed order of business.
1. Call to order
2. Roll Call
3.
4. Officer reports
5. Committee reports
6. Special Orders
7. Old business
8. New business
9. Announcements
10. Adjournment
The way that members express themselves is in the form of making motions. A motion is a proposal for the membership to take action or take a stand on an issue. Individuals can:
1. Make a motion (only active brothers)
2. Second motions (only active brothers)
3. Debate motions (active, inactive and alumni)
4. Vote on motions (only active brothers, excluding the president and the parliamentarian)
There are four basic types of motions:
1. Main motions- Introduce an item to the membership. They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor.
2. Subsidiary motions- To change or affect how main motions are handled. They are voted on before the main motion.
3. Privileged motions- Bring up matters that are urgent about special matters unrelated to pending business.
4. Incidental motions-Provide a way to question procedure concerning other motions.
How to make a motion:
1. Obtain the floor. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized.
2. Make your motion. Always state your motion in the affirmative, i.e. “I move that we...”
3. Wait for someone to second it.
a. If there is no second, your motion is lost.
b. If there is a second, the chairperson will restate your motion for the membership.
Debate:
The maker of the motion has the first pro. Then debate is open to the brotherhood alternating between pro and con arguments. Pro is in favor of the motion and Con is against the motion. The parliamentarian may limit the number of pro-con rounds in debate. After there is no more pro-con debate, a member may call “question.” This means the motion will be put to a vote. If there is an objection to question, debate may continue.
Voting on a motion:
1. By voice: All those in favor say “aye”, and all those opposed say “no.” Any member can move for an exact count.
2. By roll call: Each member states “yes” or “no” after their name is called.
3. By general consent: When a motion is not likely to be opposed, a member may call for consent. If no one objects to consent, the motion passes.
4. By division: Modification of a voice vote. Each member raises their hand to signal their vote.
5. By ballot: Each member writes their vote on a slip of paper.
One other common motion:
Motion to table: The membership decides to put a motion away for reconsideration at another time.
Points to make:
Point of Information- To ask a question about what is being said.
Point of Clarification- To clarify something you or someone else said.
Point of Privilege- To make a request (go to the bathroom, turn up/down the thermostat, etc).
One other common motion:
Motion to table: The membership decides to put a motion away for reconsideration at another time.
