Guidelines for Conduct at Meetings
To aid members of Region 2 in proper conduct of business during meetings, following are some summary guidelines that adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order. These guidelines have been developed to assist in conducting a smooth, timely and efficient meeting. A matrix of some basic motions is attached.
- Address all remarks to the Chair
- If you wish to be recognized, raise your hand and get the attention of the R2 Parliamentarian, who will be keeping a list of speakers for the Chair
- Keep in mind that the Chair will make every attempt to alternate between speakers who are in favor of the Motion being discussed and those who are opposed to it
- Please preface your remarks with your position (pro or con)
- Motions should be stated clearly so that they can be repeated to the body by the Chair or Secretary
- To assist the Chair and Secretary, please write out your motion
- A “Friendly Amendment” refers to agreement from the maker of the Motion that the proposed change is agreeable to or in keeping with the spirit of the original Motion
___________________________Parliamentary Rules__________________________
- Quorum
Majority of voting members of the entire Region 2 Committee.
- Voting – based on the number of members present at the time of the vote
- Operations Manual and Ordinary items of business: Majority
- Bylaws: Two-thirds present
- The Chair
- Conducts the meeting
- Maintains due process
- Has no right of debate
- Chair may break ties and votes in secret ballots
- Informs membership
- Procedure
- Maker of Motion gets the floor first
- During debate:
- No one speaks more than twice on the same question
- No cross discussion – all remarks addressed to the Chair
- Executive Session
- Sitting members of the body
- Individuals invited by the Chair to remain for a particular discussion or portion of a discussion