Parliamentary Procedure

What is Parliamentary Procedure??? A systematic way of organizing meetings. Governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Parliamentary Procedure Extends Courtesy to EVERYONE!!!

Properly Getting Recognition Members must be recognized to speak. Members ask the chair for recognition In order to be recognized: Members must stand up. Once standing they must say “Madame/Mr. President”

Handling Motions There may only be one main motion on the floor at one time. The main motion is made by saying, “I move.”

Parliamentary Procedure Observes the Rule of the Majority Only motions that have been seconded can be discussed and take the time of the group. Most motions require a majority vote to pass. The chapter takes action only after a majority agrees it should be taken.

Parliamentary Procedure Ensures the Rights of the Minority Even the minority has the right to voice their opinion through discussion. Because of this right it takes a 2/3 vote to stop discussion. (previous question)

Parliamentary Procedure Terms Majority: ½ of the members present plus 1. Minority: Less than ½ of the members present. Quorum: 2/3 of the total membership; this number must be present to conduct business for the group.

The chairperson uses the gavel to control aspects of the meeting. The number of taps determines the meaning.

Number of Taps One Tap: ▫ Tells members to be seated. ▫ Used after passing or rejecting a main motion.  Action on a motion was taken ▫ Used after the announcement that a meeting is adjourned. Two Taps: ▫ Calls the meeting to order.

Number of Taps Three Taps: ▫ Signals members to rise during opening and closing ceremonies. Series of Taps: ▫ Used to restore order in the group.

Order of Business = Agenda

Keeps the meeting moving forward. Provides a framework for the meeting.

Step 1: Call to Order Performed by the president Opening ceremony is included in this part of FFA meetings Step 2: Reading of Minutes Reminds members of what happened during the last meeting. Read by secretary Must be approved by the body

Step 3: Treasurer Report Reports the financial standing of the club. Step 4: Chapter Report Officers and committee chairpersons report on chapter Program of Activities. Step 5: Old Business Business left over from the previous meeting.

Step 6: New Business Presented by members in the form of motions. Step 7: Adjournment & Closing Ceremony Ends the meeting. Can happen by: Passing a motion. Having consensus of the body.

Presiding Officers Examples: ▫ Company Chairman ▫ Organization President ▫ Speaker of the House ▫ Chapter FFA President Must be fair and impartial. Must leave the chair when they wish to discuss business.

Voting Four Ways to Vote: ▫ Voice ▫ Standing ▫ Roll Call ▫ Secret Ballot The Chair can vote ONLY to make or break a tie.

Main Motion Used to get group approval for a new project or some other course of action. Wording: ▫ “I move…”

Steps to handling a Main Motion 1.Stand 2.Ask to be recognized by President 3.President recognizes you by name 4.Motion is correctly stated 5.Motion is seconded 6.Motion is repeated by President 7.Motion is discussed 8.President restates motion 9.Motion is voted on 10.Results of vote announced by President

Main Motion Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Amend Used to change a main motion. 3 ways to amend: ▫ Addition ▫ Substitution ▫ Striking out Wording: ▫ “I move to amend the motion…”

Amend Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Refer to Committee Used to gain more information on a motion before voting. Must include: The number people on the committee. Who appoints the committee. What power to act the committee has.

Refer to Committee Wording: “I move to refer this motion to a committee of three appointed by the president with full power to act.”

Refer to a Committee Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Point of Order Used when one believes a parliamentary error has been made. Wording: ▫ “I rise to a point of order”

Point of Order Does not require second Not Debatable Not Amendable Cannot reconsidered No vote required

Previous Question Used to stop debate and vote. Wording: ▫ “I move the previous question”

Previous Question Requires second Not Debatable Not Amendable Can be reconsidered before vote 2/3 vote required

Adjourn Used to end a meeting. Wording: ▫ “I move to adjourn”

Adjourn Requires second Cannot be debated Cannot be amended Cannot be reconsidered Requires majority vote

Suspend the Rules Used to allow the chapter to act in a way that would be against the rules of parliamentary law of the constitutional laws of the organization. Wording: ▫ “I move to suspend the rules…”

Suspend the Rules Requires second Not Debatable Not Amendable 2/3 vote required