Copyright © 2013 Point of Order Parliamentary Law Unit, www.PointOfOrder.org.
Based on the 11th edition (2011) of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.
To obtain “the floor,” stand; say Mr./Madame President (title); await permission to speak
To propose that the group do something, Make a motion: I move that...
To agree that a motion should be considered, I second the motion
To speak in favor of the motion, I support the motion because....and I urge the members to vote for it.
To speak against the motion, I'm against the motion because....and I urge members to vote against it.
To suggest a change to a motion, I move to amend the motion by...(strike words, insert words, or both)
To have a committee deal with it, I move to refer the motion to a committee
To postpone the motion, I move to postpone the motion to... (e.g., next month's meeting)
To end debate and vote immediately, I move the previous question. (requires a 2/3 vote)
Debate is speaking For or Against a motion, seeking to persuade others to vote likewise
The maker of the motion can speak first
Debate alternates pro and con if possible
At most 10 minutes per speech
At most 2 speeches / motion / person / day
Can't speak 2nd time if others seek their 1st
Debate must be germane (relevant) to the motion pending a vote
Debate relates to the issue and its merits, not to others' motives; be polite and gracious
Chair of board or committee can debate, but chair of membership meeting cannot debate
be notified of upcoming meetings, attend meetings and participate in them
make, debate, and vote on motions/elections
nominate officers and be a nominee
ask questions about motions and procedures
see the bylaws and other rules of the group
see the minutes (records) of prior meetings
National Association of Parliamentarians, Phone toll-free 1-888-627-2929, www.parliamentarians.org
Washington State Association of Parliamentarians, www.wsap.us
Point of Order Parliamentary Law Unit, www.PointOfOrder.org, provides workshops in West Seattle • Subscribe to the free Meeting Tip e-mail list at subscribe@ PointOfOrder. org
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, (RONR) 11th edition (2011)
RONR in Brief 2nd ed (2011), beginner's guide
Ask NAP (1-888-627-2929) for a free list of Professional Registered Parliamentarians. A PRP can:
serve as a convention or meeting advisor on parliamentary procedure
write a meeting script for the presiding officer
preside at difficult meetings
give customized board and/or officer training
provide written parliamentary opinions
serve as an expert witness in court
help draft original or revised bylaws
Written by Paul McClintock, PRP. Updated 2013-10-19