Navigation
Robert's Rules Handbook
Six Steps to Every Motion!
STEP 1. A member is recognized and makes a motion;
· “I move to (Course of action: allocate, table, untable, form, dissolve, ect.)”
· “I move to have a discussion over (topic of interest)”
· “I move to open nominations for (whatever position needs to be filled)”
· “I move to adjourn”
STEP 2. Another member seconds the motion;
STEP 3. The presiding officer restates the motion to the assembly;
STEP 4. The members debate the motion;
· The member moving the "immediately pending question" is entitled to preference to the floor!
· Silence means consent however, no point will be made more than twice or you will be called out for redundancy.
· Remarks must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, never allude to others by name or to motives!
STEP 5. Presiding officer asks for the affirmative votes & then the negative votes;
STEP 6. The presiding officer announces the result of the voting; instructs the corresponding officer to take action; and introduces the next item of business.
Common Questions
· Point of Privilege: Pertains to noise, personal comfort, etc. - may interrupt only if necessary!
· Point of Information: Generally applies to information desired from the speaker: "I should like to ask the (speaker) a question."
· Point of Order: Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking. Must be raised immediately after the error is made
· Previous Question: NEVER USE!
· Tabling: If a motion is premature, then it can be tabled if seconded and approved. This will result in ending discussion until a later time.
· Amend versus Friendly Amend:
o Amend- to change the wording by inserting and striking out words.
§ A second must occur and be debated.
o Friendly Amend- to correct an error or other minor details.
§ Only needs to accepted or declined from the mover.
Previous page: Student Affairs Committee
Next page: Documents