Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

1. Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure May 2007 Leadership Revision Committee

2. What is it? • Parliamentary Procedure is: The correct rules for conducting or running a successful meeting.

3. Purpose • Ensures that: - One item is addressed at a time - Courtesy is given to every member - The majority rules - The rights of the minority are protected

4. Use of the Gavel • One tap: • Be seated Or… • Follows: • Announcement of adjournment • Completion of a business item • Two taps: Calls the meeting to order • Three taps: Stand on the third tap • Series of taps: Restores order

5. The Chair • The person in charge-conducts the meeting • Presiding Officer referred to as: • Mr/Madam President or Mr/Madam Chairman • Chairperson refers to self in the third person • “The chair rules…” • “The chair will entertain a motion.” • Never says “I” • Alternates debate between opposing and supporting sides

6. Responsibilities of The Chair • Speak up and speak clearly • Be respectful • Be impartial • Do not say “I” • Know correct parliamentary procedure

7. Responsibilities of the Members • Discuss when called upon • Respect other members and chair • Speak up when discussing • Know Parli. Pro.

8. Conducting Business • Quorum • 1/2 of members in a club plus 1 • Minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting for legal business to be transacted Types of Votes: • None • Decided by chair • Majority • 1/2 of members present at any meeting plus 1 • Minimum number of members that must vote for a motion for it to pass • Used to vote on most motions • Two-Thirds • A two thirds vote is required when a motion will limit the rights of a member or members • This means that two thirds of the voters must be in favor of the motion for it to pass

9. Ways to Vote • Voice Vote: saying “aye” or “no” • Standing Vote: standing or a show of hands • Secret Ballot: a written vote • Roll Call: each member speaking their vote when the secretary calls their name

10. Basic Rights • Everyone gets the chance to voice their opinion • Everyone gets the chance to vote • Must take yes and no votes • Only one topic at a time can be discussed • Whoever makes a motion has the right to discuss it first • The Chairperson makes or breaks a tie

11. Classifications of Motions • Main Motions: bring business before the meeting • Subsidiary Motions: treats or disposes of a main motion; always applied to another motion while it is pending • Privileged Motions: take precedence over all other motions; don’t have to relate to pending business • Incidental Motions: related to pending business or other business; almost always must be decided before business can continue • Unclassified Motions: these are typically motions that bring a question again before the assembly

12. How to State a Motion • A properly stated motion: • begins with “I move that…” • NOT, “I make a motion to…”

13. Main Motions • Used to introduce ideas to the group • Can not be in negative form • Only one main motion at a time • Require a second • Amendable • Can Be Changed • Debatable • Can be talked about • Majority Vote • Can be voice • The person who makes a motion can not talk against it, but can vote against it • Can not interrupt another speaker

14. How to Handle a Main Motion • Stand • Ask to be recognized by President • President recognizes you by name • Motion is correctly stated • Motion is seconded • Motion is repeated by President • Motion is discussed • President restates motion • Motion is voted on • Results of vote announced by President