Watch this tutorial of how to navigate the Parliamentary Procedure page
The following outlines the structure of a typical meeting:
Call to order
Public Comment
Open to any member of the public to address the body that can be related to the agenda, but is not required to be agenda
Roll Call of members present (voting member to respond)
Reading/Approving minutes of last meeting
Chair will ask if there are any additions or changes to minutes
Followed by vote to approve minutes
Reports
Any updates that do not need votes
Old Business
Important business previously planned for discussion at the current meeting
Can include motions to vote
New Business
Any new business or resolutions before the body that requires a vote.
Announcements
Announcements from the body, motions to vote may not be made
Adjournment
The Chair will seek a motion for adjournment
Main Motions
Introduces items to the membership for their consideration
They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor
Subsidiary Motions
Change or affect how a main motion is handled, and is voted on before a main motion
Privileged Motions
Bring up items that are urgent about special or important matters unrelated to pending business
Incidental Motions
Provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion
Motion to Table
Used in the attempt to "end" a motion.
Motion to Postpone
This is often used as a means of parliamentary strategy and allows opponents of motion to test their strength without an actual vote being taken
Also, debate is once again open on the main motion
Motions are made by
Obtaining the floor
Wait until the last speaker has finished
Address the Chair
Wait until the Chair recognizes you
Make your motion using "I move to..." or "Motion to..."
Wait for someone to second your motion
Another member can second your motion or the Chair will call for a second
If there is no second to your motion, it is lost
Chair calls for discussion
Person who made motion has first speaking rights
Person who seconded has second speaking rights
Chairs opens discussion to the body
Chair calls for a vote
Motions are made by
Obtaining the floor
Wait until the last speaker has finished
Address the Chair
Wait until the Chair recognizes you
Make your motion using "I move to..." or "Motion to..."
Wait for someone to second your motion
Another member can second your motion or the Chair will call for a second
If there is no second to your motion, it is lost
Chair calls for discussion
Person who made motion has first speaking rights
Person who seconded has second speaking rights
Chairs opens discussion to the body
Chair calls for a vote