Robert's Rules of Order for Business Meetings

The following are from Robert's Rules of order, which our group elected to use since 3/11/99 at the inception of our Business meetings

According to Article XI rule 65 the customary order of Business is:

Reading of the Minutes
Reports of committees, i.e., treasurer, website, liaison, etc
Unfinished or old business
And new business

It is the Chair's duty to enforce the rules and orders of the assembly without debate or delay.

(Pg. 13) Speakers must address their remarks to the presiding officer, be courteous in their language and deportment and avoid all personal comments, never alluding to the officers or other members by name, where possible to avoid it, nor to the motives of the members.

(Pg 137) A member is confined in debate to the question (or motion) before the group. He or she should avoid personal comments and cannot question a member's motive, but may condemn in strong terms, the nature or consequences of a motion. In referring to another member, the member should when possible avoid using his or her name.

(Pg 138) During the meeting the secretary should take notes of any disorderly words. If a member cannot justify the words he or she used, and will not apologize for using them, the group has a duty to act in the case. If the disorderly words are of a personal nature, after each party has been heard, and before the group proceeds to deliberate upon the matter, the parties in the dispute should retire to the next room.

Disorderly words to the presiding officer or in regards to the official acts of an officer, do not involve the officer in a way that requires him or her to retire.

A "point of order" is when rules are not being followed and anyone can point this out by saying "point of order!" The Chair decides if this is correct or not. This can be appealed unless it has to do with "decorum" (a behavior problem).

Motions:

PLEASE FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS. IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY SOMETHING IS, INSTEAD OF GRIPING, PROPOSE A MOTION TO CHANGE IT.

* 2/3 votes is needed to pass a motion

Motions that have the effect of suspending a rule of a "point of order" (conduct, behavior, or decorum) are not debatable. Without such rules anyone so inclined can cause great trouble in a meeting.

(Pg 224) Debate - all members have the right to speak twice on the same motion, but cannot make a second speech as long as any other member who has not spoken on the motion desires the floor (Chair - will ask "are there any others who wish to share on the matter before we open it up for a second time?").

(Pg 19) Limiting Debate - To limit the number or lengths of speakers or time allowed for debate the proper method is to move that the speeches or debate be limited. This motion requires a 2/3 vote for adoption. Please take note of the number of members present. If there are a large number of people present, you may take a vote to limit the sharing to one or two minutes per share. Someone may object to this consideration (to limit shares) before debate has begun. This requires no second, and then the group must vote on the consideration of limiting debate.

(Pg 138) If at anytime the Chair wishes to state a "point of order" to give information or otherwise within his or her privilege to speak, the member speaking must wait until the Chair has been heard. When called to order by the Chair. The member must wait until the question of order has been decided. If the member's remarks are decided to be improper, the member cannot proceed, without a vote by the group (This is not debatable).

(Pg 51) "only the chair, who may at the close of a debate answer the arguments against a decision, is allowed to speak more than once.

(Pg 48) The Chair may ask advice of experienced members in the group. Their answers are not considered part of their two shares in the debate.

(Pg 52) you may appeal the decision of the chair (on a "point of order", except for decorum) but this requires a second. If seconded, the chair states the question at issue and his reason for decision. The Chair says, "Shall the decision I made be sustained?" The group votes on sustaining the Chair's decision. A tie sustains the Chair. Another appeal or recount cannot be made.

As a general rule, no members should be present in the group when any matter relating to him or her is under debate.

(Pg 22). If the meeting is a small turn out, and there is a very important issue at stake and a main motion is adopted and it is clear that this action is contrary to the views of the majority, the proper course to pursue is to move to reconsider the vote and have this entered into the minutes. Thus the opportunity is given to notify the absent members and it can be brought up at the next month's business meeting for reconsideration.