Robert’s Rules of Order Overview Why? Henry Martyn Robert engineering officer in the Regular Army – out of nowhere asked to preside of a public meeting being held in a church in his community. He didn’t know how and was super embarrassed. Decided to learn parliamentary law to never let it happen again. Robert’s Rules of Order brings order out of chaos. Written in 1876 How? Used to give everyone a fair chance to voice their opinion and vote where everyone is equal What?

 Address the Chair when speaking (President)  Chair recognizes the member  Member makes a Motion o Motion- “I move to discuss or talk about”  Another member seconds the motion o Seconding: agreeing with the motion to go forward, if motion is not seconded it dies and does not continue for discussion o Time set by VP Public Relations; when time finishes a vote automatically ensues unless unnecessary – if nothing else needs to be said, “move to close discussion”  Members debate the motion o Raise your hand/placard, be acknowledged by VP of Standards/Finance o Be called upon to speak – keep it short and to the point  Motion to Vote (used to settle debates) o Moved and seconded to proceed o Chair restates the motion – “There is a motion on the floor to …” o All those in favor signify with an “aye” and a hand raise; all those opposed; abstentions o Whichever group “has it” wins the vote Main Motions – introduce items to membership for consideration Secondary Motions – change how a main motion is handled before voting (amendments, divisions, cancellations) Privilege Motions – bring items that are important up unrelated to pending business (need speaker to speak up, repeat statement, clarify) Frequently Used Motions Bring Business before Assembly “I move that [or “to”]…” Close Meeting – “I move to adjourn” Limit or extend Discussion – “I move that debate be limited/extended to …” Speaker’s List Finish – “I move to exhaust the speaker’s list …” Enforce Rules – “Point of order” Request for information “Point of clarity” Pass – “Yield”