Parliamentary Procedure Basics

Summary

This video explains the basics of parliamentary procedure, focusing on how it helps groups run meetings smoothly and democratically. It covers key aspects such as the role of an agenda, making and amending motions, voting processes, and the duties of officers like the president, secretary, and treasurer. It also introduces common motions like main motions, amendments, tabling, and referring to committees. The guide emphasizes the use of Robert's Rules of Order to conduct business efficiently, ensuring all voices are heard while following proper procedures.

Takeaways

• 📝 Parliamentary procedure is a code of ethics designed to help organizations conduct business in a smooth, democratic manner.
• 📖 The most commonly associated guide for parliamentary procedure is Robert's Rules of Order; always ensure you have the latest edition.
• 🗂️ An agenda should be prepared before any organized meeting, which typically includes items like call to order, roll call, minutes, treasurer's report, committee reports, unfinished business, new business, and adjournment.
• 🔨 The gavel is used by the president or chair to bring order to meetings, with specific taps signaling different actions such as starting or ending the meeting.
• 🗣️ A main motion introduces business to the group, requires a second, and is debatable, amendable, and passed by majority vote.
• ✏️ Amendments modify a main motion, are debatable, amendable, and require a second and majority vote. Once passed, amendments become part of the main motion.
• ⏳ Two common ways to delay action on business are laying the motion on the table or referring the motion to a committee, each requiring a second and a majority vote.
• 🏛️ Committees may be standing (permanent) or special (temporary), and some may have the power to act independently, depending on the group's decisions.
• 🗳️ Voting on motions typically involves voice votes, with members signifying their position by saying 'aye' or 'nay'. The majority decision carries the motion.
• 🔚 Adjourning a meeting requires a second, is not debatable or amendable, and needs a majority vote to formally end the meeting.

Q & A

What is parliamentary procedure?

Parliamentary procedure is a code of ethics designed to ensure that organizations run smoothly and efficiently, allowing groups to conduct business democratically by following structured rules.

What is the main guide used for parliamentary procedure?

The main guide for parliamentary procedure is 'Robert's Rules of Order.'

What is an agenda in the context of parliamentary procedure?

An agenda is the structured order of business for a specific meeting. It typically includes items like call to order, roll call, minutes, treasurer’s report, committee reports, unfinished business, new business, and adjournment.

What is a quorum, and why is it important?

A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present for the meeting to proceed and make decisions. It ensures that the group’s actions represent the will of a sufficient number of its members.

What is a main motion?

A main motion is a proposal to introduce new business to the group. It is debatable, amendable, and requires a majority vote to pass.

How is an amendment to a main motion handled?

An amendment is used to modify a main motion. It requires a second, is debatable, amendable, and also requires a majority vote. Once an amendment is passed, it becomes part of the main motion.

What does it mean to 'lay a motion on the table'?

To lay a motion on the table means to postpone discussing or taking action on the motion until a later time. This motion is not debatable or amendable, and it requires a majority vote.

What is the process of referring a motion to a committee?

Referring a motion to a committee allows for further investigation or action before the group decides. It requires a second, is debatable, amendable, and needs a majority vote. The committee may be given the power to act or report back to the group.

What is the role of the gavel in parliamentary procedure?

The gavel is used by the president or chairperson to maintain order during the meeting. It signals actions like bringing the meeting to order, closing an item of business, and adjourning the meeting.

What does it mean to adjourn a meeting?

To adjourn means to formally end the meeting. This motion requires a second, is not debatable or amendable, and needs a majority vote to pass.