2. Basic Parliamentary Procedure Rules for having a productive group debate

3. Call to Order The chairperson calls the meeting to order This means that everyone is to be seated and quiet so that the debate can begin. “Order in the court!” “I hereby call this meeting to order.”

4. Addressing the Assembly Only those who get recognized by the chairperson may speak during a meeting. This way, nobody misses any of the main points or repeats the same argument.

5. Side Conversation Side conversations are not allowed ; if someone wants to speak, it should be to the whole group.* *Unless someone gets permission from the chairperson to have a small side conversation for the purpose of furthering the meeting.

6. Role of the Chairperson The chairperson should do substantially more facilitation of conversation than talking him/herself. The chairperson acts as neutral “gatekeeper” in discussions of matters to be voted upon. “What do you think?”

7. Furthering Group Discussion In order to discuss something the group needs to vote upon, someone (other than the chairperson) has to make a motion or proposal. (“I move that… happens”) In order to even discuss a motion someone has to “second” it. (“I second the motion”) If there is no second, the motion dies & will not be discussed.

8. Furthering Group Discussion If there is a second, the chairperson calls on people to speak for or against the motion (giving reasons to vote for or against). The chairperson usually sets a limit of so many minutes for consideration of a motion and may ask speakers to (a) wrap up their point soon and/or (b) only speak if they have new thoughts on the topic.

9. Furthering Group Discussion If a speaker finishes early, he/she may yield his/her extra time to another speaker in favor of their side, to the floor (for general discussion) or to the chairperson.

10. Minutes An appointed secretary should keep a brief summary of major points that have been made during the debate The minutes need to reflect who makes the motions, who seconds them and what exactly the motions are. (the secretary may ask the chair to clarify these things at any time)

11. Making Amendments to Proposals If someone supports a basic motion, but wants to suggest a change within the motion, he/she may make an “amendment” in the form of a new motion (“I would like to move that the current motion be amended like this…”) The motion to make an amendment must get a second, or no change is made before a vote

12. Voting on an Issue Once a vote is taken by eligible voting members, the secretary announces the numbers and the president announces whether it “passed” or not. The president then gives directions or requests that appropriate action be taken by whomever is responsible to act on the motion that has been “passed”.

13. Roll Call Vote If a motion to have a “Roll Call Vote” is voted upon and wins, the group must vote at that time on the motion “on the floor” (being discussed). A “Roll Call Vote” happens one at a time, rather than by raising hands and counting

14. Point of Order A friendly reminder that something important has been skipped or forgotten.

15. Point of Personal Privilege A member of the assembly can ask to be recognized for a “Point of Personal Privilege” for things such as: 1. Going to the restroom 2. Leaving his/her seat 3. Asking to have a side conversation

16. Ending the Debate At the end of the meeting, the president asks for a “motion to dismiss.” Someone seconds and the president asks for a vote. If it passes, the meeting is officially over.