PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

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Who’s Robert?

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And, how did he get to be in

charge?

General

Henry M. Robert

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE?

•Allow orderly discussion / debate.

•Protects the rights of the minority.

•Allows for will of the majority to rule.

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DOCUMENT PRIORITY OF AUTHORITY

IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

1. NCRSP CONSTITUTION
2. NCRSP BYLAWS
3. ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER

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HOW TO MAKE A MOTION

• State clearly what you would like the organization to do, not a vague idea.
• ”I move that we increase dues by $10 effective January 1, 2025.”
• Another member says, “I second the motion.”
• The chairman states the motion by saying, “It is moved and seconded that we increase dues by $10 effective January 1, 2025.”

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HOW TO MAKE A MOTION

• The maker of the motion has the right to speak first.
• Only one main motion can be considered at a time.
• Debate continues on the motion.
• The chair puts the question. “Is there any further debate?” “The question is on the adoption of the motion that we increase dues by $10 effective January 1, 2025.”
• Proxy votes are not permitted.

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HOW TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT

• ”I move that we increase dues by $10 effective January 1, 2025.”
• State your amendment clearly: “I move that we change the effective date from January 1, 2025 to June 1, 2025.”
• Motion to amend must be seconded.
• The chairman restates the motion by saying, “It has been moved and seconded that the main motion be amended by changing January 1, 2025. to June 1, 2025.

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HOW TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT

• The maker of the amendment has the right to speak first.
• There is no such thing as a “friendly amendment”.
• Debate continues on the motion.
• The chair puts the question. “Is there any further debate?” “The question is on the adoption of the motion to amend the effective date from January 1, 2025 to June 1, 2025.”

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HOW TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT

• Chair states, “The motion to amend has been adopted. The main motion as amended is that we increase dues by $10 effective June 1, 2025.” Or….
• Chair states, “The motion to amend has not been adopted. The main motion is that we increase dues by $10 effective January 1, 2025.
• Debate continues as before.

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HOW TO DEBATE

• Generally, no one is permitted to speak a second time if there is someone who has not had the opportunity wants to speak.
• Comments should be addressed to the chairman.
• Comments must be germane.
• Debate the issue, not personalities.
• Generally, a member is limited to speaking two times on a single motion.
• Members may not “yield the floor” to another.

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HOW TO CLOSE DEBATE

• Get recognized by the chairman and say, “I move the previous question.” (Old version was “I call the question.”)
• Motion to close debate must be seconded.
• The motion to “call the question” is not debatable. It cannot be amended.
• Requires a ⅔ vote to pass.
• If the motion to move the previous question is adopted the chairman immediately puts the main motion to a vote.

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PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

• “Point of order” requires the Chair to make a ruling on breach of rules. You state what you think is wrong. The Chairman makes a ruling. (The point is well taken. Or, the point is not well taken.)
• A member wants information on a parliamen-tary rule or rules of the organization: You say, “Madam Chairman, parliamentary inquiry.”

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TIPS AND REMINDERS

• The parliamentarian is not the chairman.  The chair is still the chair.  The chair can follow advice or disregard it. 
• The majority rules, but the minority has a right to be heard.  All members are entitled to fairness and courtesy.
• Only one matter may be considered at a time.
• Maker of motion has right to speak first.  
• Governing documents trump Robert’s Rules.
• A tie is a lost vote.

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PARLIAMENTARIAN ROGER’S

PET PEEVES

• No such thing as friendly amendments.  Handle as “Are there any objections?”  Unanimous consent.
• Motion to call the question is not absolute power.  It cannot be called out from the audience.  It must receive a second.  And it requires a 2/3 vote to pass.
• Majority means over half.  It does not mean half plus one.
• A body should not vote on a treasurer’s report, unless it is being referred to auditors.

Robert’s Rules of Order

Newly Revised In Brief

• Read chapters 2 - 4.
• Takes about 30 minutes.

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jimslaughter.com

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• Charts and Articles

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• Charts and Handouts

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Roger Harris

Parliamentarian

rharris706@

carolina.rr.com

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Text

704-477-3393

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