Robert's Rules of Order are used in Parliamentary Procedure which is the style that is often used in boardroom, business and other meeting spaces both in IACURH and NACURH spaces. 

While we realize it is a complicated procedure to learn quickly, this page is meant to help you get a jumpstart on it so you can be prepared for when it comes to business chats, conferences or other meeting spaces where you see Parli Pro being used. If you're new to the regional space and to Parli Pro take some time to go over this! 

If you ever have seen congressional/political proceedings then it might seem familiar. however IACURH doesn't strictly rely on its rules and proceedings which allows all representatives to ask questions about proper etiquette and "order" which means its ok to make mistakes! We're all continuously learning but we're also doing our best to provide some insight so that you all can find some confidence in you're own parli-pro abilities!

What is a Motion?

• Formal proposal to do something, requires something called a 'second'

• A motion is made to usually discuss a specific piece or topic, take a break, move onto the next action/section, etc. 

  • i.e. "We move for free pizza everyday!"

  • In IACURH/regional spaces, you usually hear motions for open and closing discussions andQ&As, legislation, elections and more!

What is a second?

• A second is basically an agreement from the rest of the assembly (something you agree should happen), by the Regional Board of Representatives (RBR)

  • i.e. "I second that!"

Types of Motions (there's a lot but for now let's just cover...)

• Main Motions!

  • The main motion is usually the first motion made to bring before an assembly for its consideration on any subject

    • • It can be debatable and amendable, meaning nothing is sent in stone. If you don't like the motion you have the ability to change or challenge it!

  • Amendments - say you want to amend the main motion to something else

    • Friendly vs Typical Amendments 

      • Friendly amendments don't change the intent of the main motion, just provides clarification and doesn't need a vote to constitute it 

      • Typical amendments usually are enacted to have changed or change to the intent of the original motion and does need a vote by majority (2/3's of the assembly) to pass it 

When it comes to the space, you usually refer to yourself by your host institution as you are a representative of it!

For example, Summit from the University of IACURH would begin their sentences, questions, or comments as...

"The University of IACURH would like to..."

When making a motion -

"The University of IACURH moves to..."

During these spaces you're also given a placard, which has your institiution name on it. To be called on, you would raise your placard and The Chair would recognize you - The Chair is whomever is leading the meeting.

• • • Example: Summit from the University of IACURH wants to make a motion to open the discussion for a document.

      • Summit: "The University of IACURH moves to open discussion for 10 minutes"

    • Key points for this sentence: Summit uses third person for his institution, uses the verb 'moves' to signify the motion and clarifies for how long. Specifics are important! 

The Chair of the space will acknowledge the motion and ask for a second, simply by saying "Is there a second?"

• • • Example: Mountain University raises its placard, the chair acknowledges the second and the motion passes

If someone or a school doesn't agree with the motion being passed, they can decent. Which is an opportunity to amend the motion or stop it. 

• • • Example: The chair asks for a second, Mountain University would raise its placard as a second. The chair then asks for any decent - another school, Snow University raises its placard and the chair asks for which reason, Snow University can ask for a caucus (timeout period) before opening to discussion. 

      • • The chair will then ask Mountain University if they want to withdraw its second and then the University of IACURH if they want to withdraw the motion 

        • However if Mountain University or University of IACURH don't want to withdraw, the amendment of the motion will be put to vote where majority wins!

• Motion if you want to propose an action

  • Second, if you want it to happen! If there's no second, the motion "dies"

    • The chair of the space can also chose to not entertain a motion!

• You can amend, dispute and debate motions made! No motion is set in stone.

  •  These changes can be "friendly" which doesn't require a vote or doesn't severely change the original motion 

  • These changes can also be "typical" which most likely will require a vote 

The flow of parliamentary procedure can also be dictated by the chair and the governing board/committee can also help with the flow so don't feel afraid to ask questions!

• Parli Pro is usually led through by the chair, some pieces are/can be timed. See more on times here. 

•  The chair will guide you through what needs a motion and what doesn't 

• Sometimes there will be limits to sections, for example, if there's a presentation there might be a limit of 3,5,10 minutes - depending on the situation and presentation

• Sometimes you may need to interject so by raising your placard you can call for a... 

  • POI - Point of Order, you would say this if something if Parli Pro doesn't seem correct or if something maybe