Parliamentary Procedures Workshop

History English Parliament Journal 1580 Virginia House of Burgesses 1619 Jeffersons Manual 1801; others followed Henry M. Robert 1863, Captain, New Bedford MA meeting 1876, Brig. Gen., Pocket Manual, vanity publication by Griggs & Co. 1912, Roberts Rules, Revised – modern format 1923, Family trusteeship 1970, Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised 2000, RONR, 10 th Edition Parliamentary Procedure

[A] very brief pocket manual, so cheap that every member of a church or society could own a copy, and so arranged as to enable one quickly to find when any particular motion could be made. -Henry M. Robert, describing his vision of his Rules Smedley The Great Peacemaker Parliamentary Procedure

Unless the reason for a rule is understood, it is difficult to learn the rule, and it is still more difficult to apply it successfully in practice. George C. Crocker, President Massachusetts Senate Crocker's Principles of Procedure preface, 1889 Following Rules: Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure provides the group with a structured, logical, consistent format under which to make decisions and therefore should be used to help groups achieve their goals and objectives through a democratic process. What Is Parliamentary Procedure? Parliamentary Procedure

You will get more done in less time by following orderly procedures You will encourage greater participation by all members You will ensure fair decision-making You will protect the rights of all members, including those present at the meeting, those absent, the majority, the minority, and the entire organization You will develop more effective leaders You will help ensure the legal status of your meetings according to society and your own organization Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important? Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure Objectives: Establish purpose and structure of organization Define membership classifications, rights, and obligations Defines rules and procedures for conducting business Parliamentary Procedure

Establish the will of the majority Establish the right of the minority to be heard Establish protection for the rights of absentees Establish the courtesy and justice for all Consideration of one subject at a time Parliamentary Procedure Principles: Parliamentary Procedure

The application of Parliamentary law is the best method yet devised to enable assemblies of any size, with regard for every members opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of questions of varying complexity in a minimum time and under all kinds of internal climate ranging from total harmony to hardened or impassioned division of opinion. Why Use Parliamentary Procedure? Parliamentary Procedure

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

1.Call to order 2.Second motions 3.Debate motions 4.Vote on motions The method used by members to express themselves is in the form of moving motions. Individual members can: Parliamentary Procedure

There are four basic Types of Motions: 1. Main Motions 2. Subsidiary Motions 3. Privileged Motions 4. Incidental Motions Parliamentary Procedure

1. Obtaining the Floor 2. Make Your Motion 3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion 4. Another Member will Second Your Motion or the Chairman will Call for a Second 5. If There is No Second to Your Motion, It is Lost 6. The Chairman States Your Motion 7. Expanding on Your Motion 8. Putting the Question to the Membership How Are Motions Presented? Parliamentary Procedure

1.By Voice 2.By Roll Call 3.By General Consent 4.By Division 5.By Ballot Voting on a Motion: Parliamentary Procedure

1. Motion To Table 2. Motion To Postpone Indefinitely Two Other Types of Motions: Parliamentary Procedure

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 COURTIOUS Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings: Parliamentary Procedure

1. Motion Is Seconded 2. Motion Is Stated by Chair (Presiding Officer) In Order For a Debate: Parliamentary Procedure

1.Prepare for the meeting 2.Get the meeting off to a good start 3.Create an atmosphere for participation 4.Move the meeting forward to get results 5.End the meeting 6.Follow-up after the meeting Effective Meetings – How To Plan and Conduct Effective Meetings: Parliamentary Procedure

The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote cooperation and harmony. - Alice Sturgis Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 7 Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure

Resources Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10 th Edition, 2000, Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, MA, 704 pp. (Often cited as RONR) National Association of Parliamentarians, parliamentarians.org.