Parliamentary Procedures

What are they? Simply stated, it’s an organized system that allows a group of people to come together and make a decision. Parliamentary procedures are a system of conducting business when working in a group. The system is made up of basic rules that determine how the group will proceed through decision making process. (Robert’s Rules 2007)

 Motion

A motion states specifically what the maker of that motion wants the organization to do.

Six steps of a motion

• A member makes a motion.

• Another member seconds the motion.

• The chair states the motion, formally placing it before the association.

• The members debate the motion.

• The chair puts the motion to a vote.

• The chair announces the result of the vote.

A member makes a motion

Any member can make a motion (If you live in, own property, or represent a business in the neighborhood, you are a member). To make a motion you must first be recognized by the Chair which you typically do by raising your hand. Once recognized you are free to make your motion. Start your motion with “I move that…” or “I make a motion…”

Another member seconds the motion

The purpose of the second is to assure at least two members want to discuss the issue before the group spends time on it. The person who seconds the motion does not have to agree with the motion, they need only agree that the issue should be discussed and decided upon. If there is no second, then the motion is over and we move on to the next order of business.

The chair states the motion, formally placing it before the association

Ownership of the motion is transferred from the person who made it, to the whole group.

The members debate the motion

Once recognized by the Chair, members can voice their reasons for supporting, opposing, or altering the motion (only one person can speak at a time). Stay on the subject. Due to time constraints, this is very important. If we stay on subject, we will get to the subject you want to discuss sooner. Since the motion is owned by the group, any member of the group can propose to change the motion. If a change is desired you must make a motion to amend, “I move to amend the motion on the floor to say…” That motion would have to be seconded, then the chair states the motion and it is placed before the group for discussion.

The chair puts the motion to a vote

Each member gets one vote you can vote in one of three ways.

• In favor

• Opposed

• Abstain (choose not to vote)

The chair announces the result of the vote

Joe Graun 2009, all information from The Complete Idiots Guide to Robert’s Rules available at Multnomah County Libraries.