1. Robert’s Rules of Order
Rules governing the running of meetings:
Derived from English parliamentary procedure
Generally govern the proceedings at formal WECC meetings
Provide a common framework, vocabulary, and toolset
A tool for the use of the body; they are meant to help you

2. Robert’s Rules of Order
Why do we use Robert’s Rules of Order?
Due process
Enable everyone present to participate
Make decisions with clarity
Ensure that the majority decides but the minority is heard
Facilitate meetings effectively

3. Robert’s Rules of Order
When do we use Robert’s Rules of Order?
Establishing quorum
Approving the agenda
Making motions
Debating motions
Amending motions
Voting on motions
Disposing of motions
Adjourning a meeting

4. Robert’s Rules of Order
Quorum
Generally addressed in the Bylaws or a committee’s charter
If not specifically addressed, then a majority of members constitutes a quorum in most situations
If a quorum is not present (and is required by relevant governance documents) then any substantive action taken is invalid
Myth: Once a quorum is established it carries for the remainder of the meeting
One exception at WECC: Member Class meetings (Bylaws § 5.1)

5. Robert’s Rules of Order
Main Motion
Introduce an item of business for consideration
Cannot be made if another Main Motion is on the floor
Debatable and amendable
Example
“I move that the Standing Committee recommend to the Board of Directors that the policy be adopted.”
Or more often at WECC
“So moved”

6. Robert’s Rules of Order
Subsidiary
Change the main motion, or its handling
Example
“I move that ‘policy’ be capitalized and read ‘Policy.’”
-OR-
“I move to postpone the main motion until the next Standing Committee meeting in order to allow time for development of an accompanying White Paper.”

7. Robert’s Rules of Order
Privileged
Bring up urgent, special, or important matters that are unrelated to the business on the floor
Not debatable, and do not require a second
Decided on by the Chair
Includes Motions to Adjourn or Recess, and Questions of Privilege
Example
“I move that the Standing Committee review the notice provided for this meeting for adequacy.”
-OR-
“I move that the Board enter a Closed Session to address the motion on the floor.”

8. Robert’s Rules of Order
Incidental
Related to the business on the floor
Allow for a question of procedure
Point of Information or Point of Order
Examples
“Before voting on this motion, please clarify whether the Board directed the Standing Committee to develop a Policy as well as a plan to implement the Policy.”
-OR-
“Point of Order: the motion for Point of Information is not a debatable motion.”

9. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Presenting a Motion
A motion must have a second.
The chair should announce the Motion before debate begins. Always restate the exact wording of a motion.
In Practice:
Wait to be recognized by the chair
Make a concise, affirmative motion
Wait for a second

10. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Debating the Motion
Chair facilitates but does not enter into the debate or discussion while acting as chair
Speakers must be recognized by the chair
In Practice:
Chair restates the motion and calls for discussion
Mover may speak first
Chair facilitates debate
Motion to limit or extend debate (two-thirds majority required)
Motion to end debate (two-thirds majority required)
“Everything that needs to be said has been said…but not by everyone.”

11. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Amending the Motion
Revisions are accomplished by Amendments
Re-state the main motion as amended
Amendments must be addressed before returning to the Main Motion
Adopting an amendment does not mean the main motion has been adopted
In Practice
Wait to be recognized
Make a concise recommendation for amending the main motion
Wait for a second

12. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Voting on the Motion
Remember: Bylaws, Charter, Voting Procedures for Standing Committees, WECC Regional Standards Development Procedure
Indicate how the vote will be taken
Unanimous consent
Placard/hand raising
Roll call or paper ballot
Presiding Officer only votes if his or her vote will change the outcome, or if a ballot vote is taken

13. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Voting on the Motion – In Practice
If debate occurs, a motion to close debate is needed
Requires a second and a two-thirds majority vote
Usually by consensus
If no debate occurs, then the chair asks “Are you ready for the Question” or “Is there any further debate”
If no further debate then the chair puts the question
“The question is on the adoption of the motion that…”
Committee votes pursuant to the relevant process
Note: If a participant calls the question this is treated as a Motion to Close Debate
Requires a second and a two-thirds majority vote

14. Robert’s Rules of Order: In Practice
Outcomes Other than Voting on the Main or Amended Motion
Motion to Table
A way to postpone the motion until a later time during the current meeting or a later meeting
Motion to Postpone Indefinitely
A way to terminate a motion

15. Robert’s Rules of Order: Tips for Assisting Chairs
If you have questions in advance of a meeting contact Legal Counsel to discuss potential scenarios and how to best address those scenarios
Coordinate with staff liaison to make reference materials available to participants to avoid surprise as appropriate
During meetings type out any new or amended motions for viewing by all participants

16. Robert’s Rules of Order
Questions?