Robert’s Rules of Order and the Staff Advisory Council

Robert’s Rules Col. Henry Robert published his system in 1876 Adapted from the U.S. House of Representatives Col. Robert accepted a position in his church but realized he lacked a framework for the work Robert’s Rules are designed for “ordinary societies” not legislatures The structure is highly adaptable The S.A.C. uses a highly modified version of Robert’s Rules

Benefits Conducts business one item at a time Allows committees to do their work Allows everyone to be heard Limits discussion to the topic at hand Cuts off discussion when discussion becomes redundant

S.A.C. Agenda Guests Open Floor Treasurer’s Report Comm Reports President Activities Communications Elections Vice-President for Follow-Up Items [Old Business] New Business

Four Ways to Introduce an Item for Action/Discussion 1.Let the S.A.C. President (or Secretary) know that you would like an issue discussed and added to the agenda 2.Open floor 3.Something may be introduced during a report: President’s report, a committee report, etc. 4.Old and New Business

Discussion of a item for action should happen after a motion is made The President will entertain a motion or someone will volunteer a motion from the floor To proceed the motion requires a second Once on the floor motions may be discussed for any length of time but if someone feels that the discussion is played out he or she can “call the question” which asks the discussion be wrapped up and the vote held Friendly amendment – must be accepted by the person who made the motion and the person who seconded the motion – usually used for a technical fix or addition or for clarification of the language and normally does not substantively change the motion Substitute motion – proposes a new solution if the person making it feels like the discussion of the original motion has prompted a new solution. Substitutes must also be seconded and a substitute is voted on before the original motion.

1. Item for Action (normally some discussion follows) 2. Someone proposes a motion or the item is put off for a period of time for research. If there is a motion……. 3. Discussion 4. Possible Friendly Amendment or Substitute Motion 5. Voting in reserve order of the motions and substitutes