Parliamentary procedure By: Courtney Brice Based on Robert’s Rules of Order

What is parliamentary procedure? Parliamentary procedure is the body of rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings and other operations of clubs, organizations, legislative bodies, and other deliberative assemblies.

Robert’s rules of order 1st Edition written 1876 by General Henry M. Robert for the English Parliament, (AKA Parliamentary Procedure) Latest is 10th Edition “Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised” Robert’s Rules of order Newly Revised “IN BRIEF” is a very handy guide for our use.

A little unfamiliar… Often times at assembly meetings you all will hear the word motion. What is a motion? A motion is proposal that members of the general body will vote to take action on, or to choose the next course of action. (i.e. motion to discuss, motion to vote, etc.) There are many motions in Robert’s Rules; we use a select few, of those few, some may or may not need to be seconded.

How does this “thing” work? According to Robert’s Rules, voting can either be determined with 2/3 (two-thirds) the majority voting or when the majority rules. For example, the dialogue would go a little like this: “Do we have a motion to close?” (Any member of the general body may raise their paddle and reply with) “Motion to close.” To which the presiding member of the executive board will reply, “We have a motion to close. Any seconds?” Any member of the general body with a paddle, excluding the motioning member, may raise their paddle to vote. The question that then follows is,

How it works (cont’d) “All those in favor?” The members of the general body that ARE IN FAVOR will raise their paddles. After a brief count the presiding member will signal the paddles to lower and ask, “All those opposed?” The members that DO NOT want to vote in favor will then raise their paddles. After a brief count they will then be told to lower them. Finally the presiding member will ask “Any abstentions?” those who abstain would then raise their hand. The ruling is then made according to the majority.

A few terms to know Abstain- used to show a neutral stance or indecision with a motion or ruling. Motion- a proposal that members of the general body will vote to take action on, or to choose the next course of action. Motion to Adjourn/close- used to declare the end of the general body meeting. Point of Inquiry: to ask a question; HOWEVER, simply raising your works perfect too! Also, this does not need to be seconded. Motion to Discuss- gives the general assembly a chance to discuss a topic that is currently on the floor. THIS IS A MOTION THAT NEEDS TO BE SECONDED! In favor- used to show assent or agreement with a motion or ruling. Opposed- used to show dissent or disagreement with a motion or ruling.

Terms to know (cont’d) Motion to discuss- this needs to be seconded. Is used to talk about The general body (members of RHA) can be identified as the quorum. Quorum is the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.

How it trickles down If something happens to the President of the United States of America, then the vice president would take charge. Similarly, if the president was unable to attend the next position would take charge. Here’s how it diffuses: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian NCC

bibliography Robert, Henry M., and Sarah Corbin Robert. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. 10th Ed., a New and Enlarged ed. Philadelphia: Perseus Pub., 2000. Print. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.