Parliamentary Procedures 101 Dave Worthams JCI Senator #69822 87th President – Michigan Junior Chamber November 10, 2018 JCI Michigan - LOTS 2018

What We Will Cover Today Historical Sources of Parliamentary Procedure Principles Behind Robert’s Rules 6-Steps That Will Help With Any Motion What We Will Cover Today

Historical Sources of Parliamentary Law/procedures Roman Senate Only one person speaks at a time English Parliament (1562) Only do one thing/motion at a time Jefferson’s Manual (1801) Written by Thomas Jefferson for Congress, still used today. Mason’s Rules of Order Used by all 50 State Legislatures, modeled after Robert’s more than Jefferson’s Robert’s Rules (1876) Historical Sources of Parliamentary Law/procedures

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RNOR) Written by General Henry Martyn Robert Published in 1876 Wrote it after being asked to preside over a church meeting – and he didn’t know how Created a “ranking of motions”, rules for agendas, minutes, conventions and other uses Revised 10 times, the last time in 2011 Only “official” copy is Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 11th Edition (Brown Cover) Constantly being review by the Robert’s Rules Association (Robert’s sons/grandsons who hold the copyright and approve any changes to the rules Next edition scheduled to be released September, 2021 Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RNOR)

The One & Only Book Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RNOR) 11th Edition

Robert’s & Your Bylaws/Constitution Robert’s are supplemental to your bylaws and state law. Whenever in doubt, go with what your bylaws say. Robert’s & Your Bylaws/Constitution

Precedents of the Rules US Constitution/Laws (The Royal Flush) Michigan Constitution/Laws Local Government Laws/Ordinances Local Constitution/Bylaws (Full House) Special Rules of Order Parliamentary Authority (Two Pair) Standing Rules Customs and Traditions (Pair of 2’s) Precedents of the Rules A Game of Poker

Fundamental Principles of Robert’s Rules Majority Rules For most every item of business that comes before you, at least half of the members at the meeting must agree to it order for it to be effective Rights of the Minority Those who oppose a certain action must always have the opportunity to voice their opinion and to be heard Silence Gives Consent It is the responsibility of every member – if they have a question, if they’re not sure about what’s going on, if they wish to oppose a measure – to speak up. Silence is an indication of your consent and does not receive a lot of sympathy after the fact. Fundamental Principles of Robert’s Rules

Six Steps for Handling Motions

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #1 Make a Motion Whoever makes a motion must not speak against a motion. DON’T WASTE OTHER PEOPLE’S TIME!! Common Error: Someone starts explaining the motion as part of the motion Ex: I move we all eat apples because I like apples and can’t stand mangos. Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #1

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #2 Second the Motion Note: Whoever seconds a motion is not prohibited from speaking against the motion. All a second means is that you support “talking about” the motion If a motion is made on behalf of a committee (larger than one person) then no second is needed. Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #2

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #3 Chair Restates the Motion Common Errors: The motion isn’t restated the same way as proposed The chair doesn’t ask for a second The chair doesn’t restate the motion at all. Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #3

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #4 Debate the Motion Rules of Debate: Whoever made the motion may speak first if they choose to do so. You can speak on each debatable motion no more than two times You can speak a second time only if other members who have not spoken and wish to speak have been heard You can speak no longer than 10 minutes at a time You can speak only to/through the chair Chair can debate … but shouldn’t so that they remain visibly impartial. They may answer factual/procedural questions. Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #4

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #5 Vote on the Motion Forms of Voting Voice Vote Show of Hands Ballots Roll Call Unanimous Consent Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #5

REMEMBER – SILENCE MEANS CONSENT!!! Used often in Federal/State legislatures to adopt “easy” measures Can speed up a meeting. Mechanics: Chair says “If there’s no objection, the minutes will stand approved … Hearing no objection, the minutes are approved.” REMEMBER – SILENCE MEANS CONSENT!!! If you object, you need to say so and then the group will handle the motion as normal. Unanimous Consent

CHECK YOUR BYLAWS TO SEE IF CHAIRS CAN VOTE!!! Chair doesn’t ask for “Negative” or “No” votes Chair asks for “abstentions” Isn’t necessary unless asked for by a voter so it’s put in the minutes. e.g “I have a conflict of interest, please note that.” Abstention is basically not participating in the vote. To voice an abstention is to participate in the vote. Chair votes when they don’t need to Robert’s states that the chair can vote like any other member unless limited by bylaws. But to maintain visible impartiality, the chair should only vote when it makes a difference (i.e. to break ties or to create ties). CHECK YOUR BYLAWS TO SEE IF CHAIRS CAN VOTE!!! Voting – Common Errors

Six Steps For Handling Motions Step #6 Announce the Result Common Errors: The chair uses the wrong amount to determine the outcome (i.e. 2/3’s instead of majority) REMEMBER – “Majority” means 50% +1 of those voting. “Majority of those elected and serving” or “Majority of the Board” means 50% +1 of everyone on the Board (whether they’re present or not). “2/3’s of the members” means 2/3’s of everyone who’s a member. CHECK YOUR BYLAWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR MAGIC NUMBER IS!!! Six Steps For Handling Motions Step #6

Six Steps for Handling Motions Step #1 – Make a motion Step #2 – Second the motion Step #3 – Restate the motion Step #4 – Debate the motion Step #5 – Vote on the motion Step #6 – Announce the result Six Steps for Handling Motions

Where to Find More Information Official Robert’s Rules of Order website Maintained by the Robert’s Rules Association http://www.robertsrules.com/ National Association of Parliamentarians www.parliamentarians.org Jim Slaughter, PRP (Professional Registered Parliamentarian) www.jimslaughter.com Give Dave a Call C – 269-350-1291 Email – Dworthams@hotmail.com Where to Find More Information

QUESTIONS

Parliamentary Procedures 101 Dave Worthams JCI Senator #69822 87th President – Michigan Junior Chamber November 10, 2018 JCI Michigan – LOTS 2018