Robert’s Rules of Order:
A Basic Presentation
Alas Con Futuro
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Contents
 Meeting Outline
 Basic Definitions
 Protocol to Make Motion
 Amendments
 Voting Methods
 Debate Example
 References
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General Outline of a Meeting
 Call to Order
 Approval of Minutes from Previous
Meeting
 Officers’ Reports
 Old Business (anything unfinished from
previous meeting)
 New Business
 Adjournment
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Some Basic Definitions
 QUORUM – Consists of three officers
and four members, and it shall be
necessary to conduct business/
make a decision or vote.
 MOTION - Formal proposal by a
delegate, in a meeting, that the
group take certain action
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Basic Protocol to Make a Motion
 Delegate raises their hand to be recognized
by presiding officer
 Delegate then states “I move that we…”
 The delegate may then briefly describe the motion
 The motion must be seconded by another
delegate
 Chair then calls for discussion on the motion
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Example of Debate with Amendments
 Motion to discuss potential Platform Plank
 Discussion ensued regarding the unconstitutional
NDAA
 Amendment made to support for Dr. Paul’s
proposed bill to overturn unconstitutional text in
Sec. 1021
 Discussion ensued
 Amendment put to a vote, then returned to initial
topic of the NDAA
 Further discussion on the NDAA
 Question of overturning the NDAA, as amended
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Methods of Voting
 By Voice

Those in favor say “aye”, those against say “nay”
 By Roll Call

Poll all voting delegates
 By General Consent

When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chair says, “If there
is no objection…” & if no objection, then the Chair says, “Hearing
no objection, the motion passes that…”
 By Division

Verification of voice vote: Delegates raise their hand or
stand
 By Ballot

Delegates write vote on slip of paper (normally done during
voting on officers)
)
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Basic Protocol to Make a Motion:
Discussion
 After Chair calls for discussion on the motion:


Delegate who introduced the motion
has the right to speak first
Other delegates wishing to express
their opinion on the motion on the
table will raise their hands & wait
to be recognized by the Chair in order
to enable everyone to share their opinion
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References
1. Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, 11th Edition
2. http://www.jimslaughter.com/robertsrules.htm
3. Jim Slaughter,
Certified Professional Parliamentarian/Professional Registered Parliamentarian
(P.O. Box 41027, Greensboro NC 27404-1027
Phone: 336-378-1899 , e-mail: jim@jimslaughter.com,
web site: www.jimslaughter.com)
4. http://nancysylvester.com/docs/Resources/articles/parliamentary_procedure.html
5. Nancy Sylvester, MA, PRP, CPP-T,
Professional Registered Parliamentarian,
Certified Professional Parliamentarian
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