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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Six Steps for Handling Motions

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Where to Find More Information
Official Robert’s Rules of Order website
Maintained by the Robert’s Rules Association
National Association of Parliamentarians
Jim Slaughter, PRP
(Professional Registered Parliamentarian)
Give Dave a Call
C – –
Where to Find More Information

20. QUESTIONS

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