Parliamentary Procedure Teamwork

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure 1. The right of the majority to rule 2. The right of the minority to be heard 3. The equal right of each individual to be heard and represented 4. Only one issue considered at a time

Agenda 1. Call to order 2. Taking roll 3. Reading minutes of previous meeting 4. Treasurer’s report 5. Report of officers 6. Standing committee (those in effect all year) 7. Special committee (those for special events)

Agenda (cont.) 8. Unfinished business from the last meeting 9. New business (motions) 10. Program or Speaker (optional) 11. Adjournment

Methods of voting Voice (say “aye” or “no”) Rising (stand up) Ballot Raise hand Roll call Mail in Proxy (assign another person to vote for you)

Rules on Discussing Motions 1. Ask for permission to speak to your motion 2. Cannot be discussed if there is no second 3. The individual proposing the motion begins the discussion 4. Be prepared to enthusiastically persuade your fellow members to vote for your motion 5. Never speak against your own motion, but you make speak against amendments to it

Rules on Discussing Motions 6. Don’t exceed specified time limits allowed for debate 7. Never criticize or question the motives of another member 8. Clearly state at the beginning of your debate whether you are for or against the motion 9. Only one person speaks at a time, and they must be recognized by the president before they can speak

Steps of a Main Motion The “Rule of Eight” 1. Obtain the floor 2. Assign the floor 3. Make the motion 4. Second the motion 5. State the motion 6. Discuss/debate the motion 7. Put the question 8. Announce vote and state action