Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure Objective: Discuss parliamentary procedures and public speaking used in horticulture business meetings.

Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentary Procedure –using well-defined rules to conduct business meeting using a formal organized approach. • Based upon Robert’s Rules of Order the authority in Parliamentary Procedure • Parly Pro began in the English House of Parliament in 1562

Who uses Parly Pro? • There are many organizations that rely on Parly Pro to conduct activities. • Some examples include • School Groups • Civic Organizations • Church Groups • Legislative Government

Courtesy to Everyone • Extends courtesy to everyone • Must be recognized in order to speak or address the group. • Only in emergencies or to fix a parliamentary error may someone speak without be recognized. • Members go about be recognized by saying “Madame or Mr. President”

I Move.. One Thing at a Time • Focus on only one thing at a time – helps avoid confusion. • There may be only one main motion on the floor at any given time • The main motion must be presents by saying “I Move That” or “I Move To”

Rule of the Majority • Observe the rule of the majority – keeps unpopular ideas from being adopted. • Most motions in Parly Pro require a majority of the members to vote in order to take action on an item. • In a meeting of 30 individuals 16 must vote the same way in order for there to be a majority. (one over half is a majority)

Rule of the Majority • Some motions require a 2/3 majority vote. • In a group of 30 individuals, 20 must vote the same way in order for there to be a 2/3rd majority vote.

I Disagree Rights of Minority • Ensure the rights of the Minority – all sides can make motions, second motions, discuss and vote. • Even if there are only one or two members who feel differently than the rest of the members, they can still voice their opinion through discussion. • Minority is a group that goes against the remainder of the group

Voting Information • There are a variety of ways to vote on an item. a) Voice • Yea or No, • Can not be used for 2/3 majority voting b) Secret Ballot c) Visual • May be standing or raising of hands d) Roll Call

Presiding Officer • Presiding officer should be impartial and fair • Should leave the chairman’s station and relinquish chairman’s station and relinquish Chairman’s duties to discuss or present a point of view. • Symbol of authority is gavel • President or Chairman can only vote to make a tie on a motion.

Main Motion • Main Motion – to present a new idea or item of business. • Only one main motion at a time • Second Required • Debatable/Discussion • Amendable • Requires a majority vote.

Steps to handling a Main Motion • Address the presiding officer. “Mr./Mdme President” • Receive recognition to speak. • State Motion “I move to…” or “I move that…” • Another member seconds the motion. • Motion is debated. • Vote on motion. • Chair announces result of vote.

Your Activity • In your groups review the following motions to learn more about Parliamentary Procedure • Then, in your groups write a script as if you were conducting a business meeting following the rules of Parliamentary Procedure • Choose at least 3 actions in addition to a main motion to include in your script • Be creative! You can make your business meeting about anything!

Amendment • Amendment – to change a motion by striking out or adding words • Requires a second and a majority vote • “I move to amend the main motion by…….” • Can be amended in 4 ways • Inserting in middle • Adding to end • Striking Out • Striking out and inserting

Amendment • Proper Example: • Motion on floor: That the FFA Chapter buy a boat. • Amendment: Mr. President, I move to amend the motion by inserting speed in front of boat. So the motion would read, I move that the FFA Chapter buy a speed boat.

Previous Question • Previous Question – to stop discussion • Not Debatable • Not Amendable • Requires a 2/3rd Majority Vote • Proper example: • Madam/Mister Chairperson, I move the previous question

Division of the house • Division of the house/assembly – to get a counted vote • When called, this forces a immediate revote by hand • It is not debatable!! • Not amendable • Does not require a second or vote • Member seeking a division does not have to be recognized by the chair to speak. • You Say “Division”

Refer to Committee • Refer to a committee – places the motion in a committee • Debatable • Amendable • Requires a second and a majority vote • Motion should include • Number of members on committee • How appointed • Powers and duties • When to report back • Can be reported to a standing committee

Refer to Committee • Proper Use: Mr. President, I move we refer this motion to a committee of three appointed by the chair

To take from the table • Take from the table – brings an unfinished business item back on to the floor for discussion • Not debatable • Not amendable • Requires a second and a majority vote • Proper Example • I move to take the motion that reads to buy a boat from the table.

Point of Order • Point of order – used to correct a parliamentary mistake • Not debatable • Not amendable • Does not require a second • President decides on verdict • Can interrupt another speaker • Proper example • Mr. President, I rise to a point of order. • President says, “State your point” • After member states point, president says “your point is well taken” or “Your point is not well taken”

Appeal • Appeal – used to appeal the chair’s decision after a point of order has been made. • To reverse the decision of the chairman, after they have made an error. • Is Debatable • Not amendable • Requires a second and a majority vote (this is the only motion where President can discuss) • Proper Example • Mr. President I appeal the decision of the chair. • President should say “Appeal the decision of the chair has been called, all those who wish to uphold the decision of the chair say I, all opposed same sign.”

Suspend the Rules • Suspend the Rules – motion used to temporarily suspend the rules of an organization • Not debatable • Not amendable • Requires a second and a 2/3rd vote • Proper Example • Mr. President, Because of the lack of time tonight, I move to suspend the rules and skip directly to new business.

Reconsider • Reconsider - to reevaluate a decision that was made earlier • Requires a second and a majority vote • Not debatable • Not amendable • Can only be done by someone who voted on the prevailing side. • Proper Example • Mr. President, I move to reconsider the motion to buy a boat.

Adjourn • Adjourn – to close the meeting • Requires a second and a majority vote • Not Debatable • Not Amendable • Highest ranking motion • Proper example • Mr. president, I move to adjourn.

Other Terms • Quorum – 2/3 of the total membership. This amount of people must be present for the group to make decisions or changes. • An agenda is a list of what will be done at a business meeting should be prepared before the meeting

Parliamentary Procedure