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Parliamentary Procedure. …for the boardroom enthusiast. What is Parliamentary Procedure?. Parli-pro is a set of rules that our society has developed to greatly increase the fairness and efficiency of large group meetings.
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Parliamentary Procedure …for the boardroom enthusiast.
What is Parliamentary Procedure? • Parli-pro is a set of rules that our society has developed to greatly increase the fairness and efficiency of large group meetings.
In order to speak in the boardroom (with a few exceptions), you must first be put on the speakers’ list. To be put on the speakers’ list, simply raise your placard in the air (up high) and WAIT to be recognized before putting it down. The Speakers’ List
There are three main speakers’ lists: primary,secondary, and tertiary. If you have not yet spoken on the topic at hand, you will be placed on the primary list If you have already shared your opinion on a particular topic, you will be put on the secondary list until the primary list is exhausted and then you will get to speak. Etc… The Speakers’ List, Cont…
Prior to speaking… • Don’t forget what you were going to say! Taking notes on a piece of scrap paper can greatly help you to remember what you were going to say as well as stay concise with your thoughts! • Ask yourself if the point you are trying to make has already been made, in which case you can simply say “We agree with ____.”
Making a motion… • A motion is a formal proposal to take a certain path of action. • In order to be considered, a motion must be moved andseconded by another member. • You may not make a point and then move to do something in one “turn”.
Making a motion… • Member A - “I move to ____.” • Chair - “A motion has been made to ____, is there a second?” • Member B (raises placard) - “I second the motion.” • Chair - “It has been moved and seconded to ____. The floor is now open to discussion.”
Discussion… • First, whoever made the motion has a one-time right to speak first on its behalf. • You may speak only three times on any discussable motion on the same day (unless you are yielded to by another member who has not exhausted their speaking rights.) • You must wait to be recognized before you may speak.
Discussion… • Keep your comments relevant to the matter being discussed. • Debate issues, not personalities. • Remember to say, “I yield.” when you are finished speaking. This lets everyone else know that it is okay to move on with discussion.
Ending discussion… • There are two main ways to end debate: • Calling the question - If discussion has become repetitive or there seems to be an unanimous opinion among members. • Moving the question - If there does not seem to be an unanimous opinion among members and the majority would like to vote on the previous motion.
Calling the question… • Member A - “I call the question…” • Chair - “The question has been called. Are there any objections? • (Silence) • Chair - “Seeing none, we will move into a vote.”
Calling the question (Alternate ending)… • Member A - “I call the question…” • Chair - “The question has been called, are there any objections? • Member B (Raises placard) • Chair - “Member B, you may speak to your objection.” • Member B - “I still have relevant point to make and I haven’t spoken yet.” • Chair - “With that, we will move back into discussion.”
Moving the question… • Member A - “I move the previous question…” (Seconded) • Chair - “It is moved and seconded to order the previous question…” • At which point the assembly will then vote on whether or not they are ready to vote. (This may seem counterintuitive, but it can really help to keep things moving.)
Calling consent… • When the outcome of a vote seems painfully obvious and everyone seems to be in agreement, you may call consent. This is a situation where it is okay to interrupt the chair.
Calling consent… • Chair - “With that we will move into a vote. If you are in favor of this motion please raise…” • Member B - “Consent!” • Chair - “Consent has been called. Are there any objections?” etc…
Amending a motion… • Friendly amendment - If a motion is on the table and you think something should be changed that you believe the motion-maker would agree with. Usually not used to propose major changes to a motion. Is valid if accepted by motion-maker. • Amendment - Changes the wording/content of a motion. Voted on by assembly.
Amending a motion… • Friendly amendment - “I would like to propose a friendly amendment that…” • Amendment - “I move to amend that…”
Point of… • There are certain times in the boardroom when it is not practical to await your turn on the speakers’ list. These are known as “Point(s) of ____.” • To use one you just speak up and say, “Point of ____!”
Order - “I don’t think parli-pro is being used properly…” or “I don’t think this is in accordance with the governing documents…” Information - “I’m a little lost, may I ask…” Personal Privilege - “Could everyone speak louder when it is their turn? I am having trouble hearing everyone…” Clarification - “Let me clarify…” Point of…
Point of… • “Point(s) of ___” are to be usedvery sparingly. • They are NOTa valid alternative to waiting for your turn on the speakers’ list. • If used improperly the member will be called out of order.
Randoms… • Call to caucus - If you would like to discuss a matter with your delegation and/or advisor before voting • Move to groove for ____ minutes - “Let’s take a short break.” • Move to recess until ____. - “Let’s take a longer break and meet back here at ____.”
A few more things to remember… • Parli-pro is NOT to be used as a weapon. It is a system that is designed to give everyone a fair chance to share their opinion and have a voice. • Don’t be afraid to share your opinion even if it goes against the majority. Every voice counts. • Be not afraid! No one is expecting you to be a “parli-professional” right off the get-go! If you are confused, just ask! Please be patient if you are more experienced!
A few more things to remember… • Remember to direct ALL statements toward the chair (unless you are asking a question of the presenter). This helps to avoid boardroom confusion and/or hostility. • Business should stay in the boardroom. Do not share discussion, negative sentiments, election results outside of the boardroom, etc…
A few more things to remember… • Keep in mind that YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOUR UNIVERSITY! Make sure that your statements reflect the views of your university (as best as you can determine)! • HAVE FUN AND STAY POSITIVE!!!!!
Fun Links… • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uffveXL2Ebk • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32WjO7IiHpI&NR=1