Basic business meeting procedures Identify Basic Meeting Skills

Basic principles of parliamentary procedure All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations Majority - has the right to decide Minority - has the right to express opinion and must be protected Justice and courtesy for all One item is considered at a time Maintain order all times Business is transacted quickly and efficient

Order of business Opening Roll call, the vote of each member is formally recorded in the minutes Reading of the secretary's minutes Treasurer’s report Committee reports either standing or Ad Hoc Unfinished business New business Program Adjournment (the finish of the meeting)

Types of motion Motions Motion Interrupt Second Debatable Amendable Vote Adjourn No Yes No No Majority RecessNoYesSometimes Yes Majority Question of Privilege Yes No No No Chair Point of InformationYesNoNoNoChair Lay on the table NoYesNoNoMajority (2/3) Previous QuestionNoYesNoNo2/3 Postpone to a certain timeNoYesYesYesMajority Refer to CommitteeNoYesYesYesMajority AmendNoYesIf motion isYesMajority Postpone MAIN MOTIONNoYesYesYesMajority

Terms and Definitions Parliamentary procedure a body of rules followed by an assembly Assembly a group of persons gathered together for a common reason, as for a legislative, religious, educational, or social purpose. Debate To consider something; deliberate. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points. To engage in a formal discussion or argument. Minute A note or summary covering points to be remembered; a memorandum. Minutes an official record of the proceedings of a meeting. Committee A group of people officially delegated to perform a function, such as investigating, considering, reporting, or acting on a matter Standing committee a permanent committee; one in a house or senate with jurisdiction over legislation in a particular area (as the judiciary or the armed services)

Unfinished business work that is left incomplete Majority voting A type of voting right in which stockholders are granted one vote for each director's position for each share held. Thus, the holder of 100 shares would have the right to cast 100 votes for each position for which an election is held. Under this system, any stockholder or group holding 51% of the shares voting is able to control every position up for election. Second Coming next after the first in order, place, rank, time, or quality. Meeting An assembly or gathering of people, as for a business, social, or religious purpose Minority the smaller of two groups constituting a whole: as a : a group (as in a legislative body) having less than the number of votes necessary for control b : a group of judges among those hearing an appeal who disagree with the majority's judgment Majority the group or political party whose votes predominate b: the judges voting in a particular case who together determine the prevailing decision Quorum The minimal number of officers and members of a committee or organization, usually a majority, who must be present for valid transaction of business.

Raps of the gavel and its purpose The gavel is a symbol of authority and should be used accordingly. When used properly, it is the only item necessary to control the proceedings of a meeting. The presiding officer should not be afraid to use the gavel with authority. There are three raps, these are: 1. One Rap - To seat the audience/membership 2. Two Raps - call the meeting to order 3. Three Raps - To have the audience/membership stand

Steps for processing a main motion Obtaining the floor Make your motion Wait for someone to second your motion Another member will second your motion If there is no second it is lost The chairperson states your motion

Voting Unless special rules apply, the majority decides Other way is voice voting A member has no right to explain his/her vote