Parliamentary Procedures Workshop

History

English Parliament Journal 1580 Virginia House of Burgesses 1619 Jefferson’s Manual 1801; others followed Henry M. Robert

• 1863, Captain, New Bedford MA meeting• 1876, Brig. Gen., Pocket Manual, “vanity publication” by Griggs & Co.• 1912, Roberts Rules, Revised – modern format• 1923, Family trusteeship• 1970, Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised• 2000, RONR, 10th Edition

Parliamentary Procedure

[A] very brief pocket manual, so cheapthat every member of a church orsociety could own a copy, and so arranged as to enable one quickly to find when any particular motion couldbe made.

-Henry M. Robert, describing his vision of his Rules Smedley The Great Peacemaker

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure

Unless the reason for a rule is understood, it is difficult to learn the rule, and it is still more difficult to apply it successfully in practice.

George C. Crocker, President Massachusetts SenateCrocker's Principles of Procedure preface, 1889

Following Rules:

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure provides the group with a

structured, logical, consistent format under which to make

decisions and therefore should be used to help groups

achieve their goals and objectives through a democratic

process.

What Is Parliamentary Procedure?

Parliamentary Procedure

You will get more done in less time by following orderly procedures

You will encourage greater participation by all members

You will ensure fair decision-making

You will protect the rights of all members, including those present at the meeting, those

absent, the majority, the minority, and the entire organization

You will develop more effective leaders

You will help ensure the legal status of your meetings according to society and your own

organization

Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important?

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure Objectives:

Establish purpose and structure of organization Define membership classifications, rights, and obligations

Defines rules and procedures for conducting business

Parliamentary Procedure

Establish the will of the majority Establish the right of the minority to be heard Establish protection for the rights of absentees Establish the courtesy and justice for all Consideration of one subject at a time

Parliamentary Procedure Principles:

Parliamentary Procedure

The application of Parliamentary law is the best method yet devised

to enable assemblies of any size, with regard for every member’s

opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of

questions of varying complexity in a minimum time and under all

kinds of internal climate ranging from total harmony to hardened or

impassioned division of opinion.

Why Use Parliamentary Procedure?

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Call to order2. Roll call of members present3. Reading of minutes of last meeting4. Officer’s report5. Committee report6. Special orders – Important business previously designated

for consideration at this meeting7. Unfinished business8. New business9. Announcements10. Adjournment

Organizations using parliamentary procedureusually follow a fixed order of business:

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Call to order2. Second motions3. Debate motions4. Vote on motions

The method used by members to expressthemselves is in the form of moving motions.

Individual members can:

Parliamentary Procedure

There are four basic Types of Motions:

1. Main Motions2. Subsidiary Motions3. Privileged Motions4. Incidental Motions

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Obtaining the Floor2. Make Your Motion3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion4. Another Member will Second Your Motion or

the Chairman will Call for a Second5. If There is No Second to Your Motion, It is

Lost6. The Chairman States Your Motion7. Expanding on Your Motion8. Putting the Question to the Membership

How Are Motions Presented?

Parliamentary Procedure

1. By Voice

2. By Roll Call

3. By General Consent

4. By Division

5. By Ballot

Voting on a Motion:

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Motion To Table

2. Motion To Postpone Indefinitely

Two Other Types of Motions:

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Allow motions that are in order2. Have members obtain the floor properly3. Speak clearly and concisely4. Obey the rules of debate5. Most importantly, BE COURTIOUS

Parliamentary Procedure is the bestway to get things done at your meetings:

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Motion Is Seconded

2. Motion Is Stated by Chair

(Presiding Officer)

In Order For a Debate:

Parliamentary Procedure

1. Prepare for the meeting2. Get the meeting off to a good start3. Create an atmosphere for participation4. Move the meeting forward to get results5. End the meeting6. Follow-up after the meeting

Effective Meetings – How To Planand Conduct Effective Meetings:

Parliamentary Procedure

The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote cooperation and harmony.

- Alice SturgisSturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 7

Parliamentary Procedure

http://www.jimslaughter.com/articles.htm

http://www.flparliamentarian.com/ http://www.rulesonline.com

Parliamentary Procedure

Resources

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition, 2000, Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, MA, 704 pp. (Often cited as RONR) National Association of Parliamentarians, parliamentarians.org.