Robert’s Rules of Order Kappa kappa psi & tau beta sigma southeast district leadership conference 2017 jamarius taylor & hazel shah

Who’s Robert Who is Robert, anyway? Henry Martyn Robert, retired U.S. Army brigadier general saw issues in conducting official business. First published in 1876, Robert spent 176 pages outlining the rules. Obviously, the rules caught on and now Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th edition contains 643 pages.

Purpose of Roberts Rules To run meetings more efficiently To protect everyone's ability to be heard To protect everyone's ability to vote

The Chair In charge of running meetings efficiently Assigning the floor Approving or not approving things brought to the floor for whatever reason

Vocab Motion What it means How to say it Adjourn End the meeting “Motion to close” Amend Change wording “I move that we amend motion on the floor by… ” Limit/Extend Debate Limit/Extend discussion “I move that we limit discussion to x minutes Previous Question End debate “I move to the previous question” “I call the question”  Vote by secret ballot Keeps specific results secret “I move that we vote by secret ballot” Point of Personal Privilege Can’t hear, water, bathroom, need something, etc. “motion for recess” “Could we …” Point of Information Short question for speaker “Point of information” Second This is important enough to discuss *raise of hand Postpone To pick this issue up at a later time “I motion to postpone X until Y” Introduce business “I motion we “ Objection to a question We really shouldn’t be discussing this “I object to the consideration of this question” Unanimous consent Cut and dry shouldn’t require full procedure “I motion to approve x by acclamation”

Process Mention that the time for amendments is during the discussion

Motions Making Motions The method used by members to express themselves A proposal that the entire membership take action or a stand on an issue Members can: Call to order Second motions Debate motions Vote on motions

Motions A call to action Can be to request things A request to vote on something A request to change something A request to approve something Phrases Motion to … I move that we…

Discussion After a motion is made and seconded, discussion follows. Here all opinions and grievances should be made known Try and keep all things said new and germane to the motion at hand During this discussion you are allowed privileges Point of information- I have a question about the motion Point of clarification (direct response)– I would like to answer this question If questioning and answering becomes redundant or off topic you may call the question Request to vote Upon passing with super majority it is time to vote

Voting Method of voting on a motion depends on situation and the by-laws Three common methods of voting: By voice: those in favor say “aye”, those opposed say “no” Any member may move for exact count By roll call: each member answers “yes” or “no” when name called used to keep record of each vote By ballot: members write vote on slip of paper used for secrecy

Voting How to vote: In favor I approve of this Opposed I do not approve of this Abstentions I have moral obligation not to vote on this (probably because I am dating it) Majority – ½ +1 for general votes Super majority – 2/3 vote for people

Questions?