Meeting Procedures

Parliamentary Procedures for meetings

For those of you who have never been to a PTA meeting, we wanted to share some information about Parliamentary Procedures. It'll feel a little awkward and formal at first but we'll have our wonderful parliamentarian to coach and guide us!

Many of our Agenda items next week will be run though motions, so here are the basics of Robert's Rules of Order:

Robert's rules -

Making a motion

Be recognized by the chair to speak.
- Raise a hand. – Called on by the chair.
“I move that...” make a motion.
- Use precise language – Vote on the exact wording.
Motion must be supported by a 2^ndmember.
- Call out “Second!” to support the motion.
Motion restated for everyone to consider.

Motion is open for discussion

Member making the motion speaks first.
Alternate between members speaking for and against.
Members who have not yet spoken are given preference.
Stick to the subject being discussed.
Limit speaking time to keep the meeting moving forward. (5 min maximum)
Address all points and questions to the President. Avoids personal attacks. Discussing the issues not the people.

Motions – Ending Discussion

At any point a member can call the vote on the motion.
- “I call the previous question”
If 2/3 of the members agree to call the vote, then discussion ends.
Motion is repeated and members vote.
All in favor “Aye”.
All opposed “No”
Majority is needed to pass the motion.

Amending a Motion – Before Voting

“I move to amend the motion...”
- State how the wording should change.
Motion must be supported by a 2^ndmember.
- Call out “Second!” to support the motion.
Discuss the amendment to the motion.
Vote on the amendment to the motion.
Continue discussion on the modified motion.