Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure SWASAP EMERGING LEADERS INSTITUTE Jeff Kahlden-Weatherford College

Characteristics of a presiding Officer • Willingness to work • Self-confidence • Ability to learn parliamentary procedure • Well-developed voice • Neat appearance • Fair and impartial judgement • Skill in leading people

Importance of Parliamentary Procedure • Primary Purpose-Achieving the goals of the meeting • Serves as a code of ethics • Enhances a democratic way of making a decision • Makes a meeting run smooth and timely

The Board • Often Voted Upon or Appointed • Represent the stakeholders • Make decisions based upon the membership • Accountable to the members • Team-Each Member serves a purpose

So you chose or got chose to be a president or President-Elect • Memorize constantly used procedures • Make sure all know what’s being debated upon • Learn how to conduct voting • Know the steps in a meeting • Learn how to handle points of order and appeals • Know more about Parliamentary Procedures than others

Secretary & Treasurer Secretary Treasurer Entrusted with the custody of the organization’s funds Bills and collections Treasurer’s report Arrange Audits • Notice of meetings • Prepare order of business • Read minutes, correspondence, and record minutes • Keep official records

Other Board Members • Past-President • Representatives • Parliamentarians • Committee Chairs-Standing or Appointed

Let’s meet! • Establish a quorum • Call to Order • Establish & Adopt Agenda - Reading & approval of minutes - Reports-Officers - Reports-Committees - Unfinished Business - New Business • Adjourn

Let’s Get Moving • Main Motion • Motion is a formal proposal by a member to bring forth business before an assembly • To begin- Get Recognized! • Stand and Deliver-Mr. Pres. or Madam Pres. - No Sitting - Be proper and loud-Some meetings require name and location

After Getting Recognition • State your motion: I Move that …. • Next-Second it! (Typically you can yell this out or stand to second) • The Chair will then state the question • The chair is responsible for making sure that it is worded correctly • Then its on to Debate

Debate • Motion is on the floor • Debatable • Amendable • Speakers must be recognized • Call for the question • Debate needs to be applicable to the motion

Question has been called Lets Vote • All in favor say… • Show of hands • Secret Ballot • Standing • Roll Call • It is final following the vote

Amendments How Do we Amend Types of Amendments Insert or Add Words Strike Out Words Strike Out and Insert Words • Modifies the main motion • I move to amend the main motion by…. • Must approve/vote on the amendment first • Then vote on the amended motion • Voting/final

Different Types of Votes • Majority Vote-Most common and defined as more than half • Two-Thirds Vote-required for particular circumstances and most notably suspending the rules • Majority of Membership-All members must vote • Unanimous Consent or Acclimation • Chairman does not vote unless its by ballot or they will change the vote

Other types of motions Incidental Subsidiary Lay on the table Previous Question Refer to a committee Amend • Point of Order • Appeal the Decision of the Chair • Suspend Standing Rules • Division of Assembly • Nominations • Parliamentary inquiry • Withdraw a motion

Parliamentary Procedures • The more you study it and use it-The better you will get • Remember be firm and committed and most folks will not question you • Get help-Appoint a Parliamentarian

Lets Practice

THE END • Keep On Practicing!

Parliamentary Procedure