Robert’s Rules of Order: A Basic Presentation

1. Robert’s Rules of Order:A Basic Presentation Alas Con Futuro

2. Contents • Meeting Outline 3 • Basic Definitions 4 • Protocol to Make Motion 6 • Amendments 7 • Voting Methods 8 • Debate Example 9 • References 11

3. General Outline of a Meeting Call to Order Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting Officers’ Reports Old Business (anything unfinished from previous meeting) New Business Adjournment

4. Some Basic Definitions QUORUM – Consists of three officers and four members, and it shall be necessary to conduct business/ make a decision or vote. MOTION - Formal proposal by a delegate, in a meeting, that the group take certain action

5. Basic Protocol to Make a Motion Delegate raises their hand to be recognized by presiding officer Delegate then states “I move that we…” The delegate may then briefly describe the motion The motion must be seconded by another delegate Chair then calls for discussion on the motion

6. Example of Debate with Amendments Motion to discuss potential Platform Plank Discussion ensued regarding the unconstitutional NDAA Amendment made to support for Dr. Paul’s proposed bill to overturn unconstitutional text in Sec. 1021 Discussion ensued Amendment put to a vote, then returned to initial topic of the NDAA Further discussion on the NDAA Question of overturning the NDAA, as amended

7. Methods of Voting By Voice Those in favor say “aye”, those against say “nay” By Roll Call Poll all voting delegates By General Consent When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chair says, “If there is no objection…” & if no objection, then the Chair says, “Hearing no objection, the motion passes that…” By Division Verification of voice vote: Delegates raise their hand or stand By Ballot Delegates write vote on slip of paper (normally done during voting on officers) )

8. Basic Protocol to Make a Motion:Discussion After Chair calls for discussion on the motion: Delegate who introduced the motion has the right to speak first Other delegates wishing to express their opinion on the motion on the table will raise their hands & wait to be recognized by the Chair in order to enable everyone to share their opinion

9. References 1. Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, 11th Edition 2. http://www.jimslaughter.com/robertsrules.htm 3. Jim Slaughter, Certified Professional Parliamentarian/Professional Registered Parliamentarian
 (P.O. Box 41027, Greensboro NC 27404-1027                 Phone: 336-378-1899
, e-mail: jim@jimslaughter.com,     web site: www.jimslaughter.com) 4. http://nancysylvester.com/docs/Resources/articles/parliamentary_procedure.html 5. Nancy Sylvester, MA, PRP, CPP-T, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Certified Professional Parliamentarian