Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary Procedure is an orderly set of rules for conducting meetings of organized groups for the purpose of
accomplishing their goals fairly.
Principles of Parliamentary Procedure are:
 Justice and courtesy to all;
 Rights of the minority protected;
 Rule of the majority reflected;
 Partiality to none; and
 Consideration of one subject at a time.
Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the parliamentary text that governs the SSC where the bylaws do not
apply. The chairperson and all members should familiarize themselves with Roberts Rules of Order and the use of
parliamentary procedure.
What is the Order of Business?
Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed order of business called an “agenda.”
Below is order of BCSD’s agenda format:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
OPENING /ROLL CALL
MINUTES
OPEN FORUM
SITE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
REPORTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
Seven Steps to Making a Motion
A motion to take action is introduced by a member, seconded, discussed, and is voted upon.
The steps are:
1. Recognition. Get the chairperson’s permission to speak by saying “Mr. / Mrs. Chairperson”. Chairperson
recognizes the member by calling his/her name.
2. Make the motion. Offer your recommendation to the rest of the members by stating, "I move..."
3. The motion must be seconded by another member. This shows that more than one person is interested in
bringing the business before the group for discussion.
4. Clearly state the motion. The Chairperson restates the motion to ensure all members understand what is
to be discussed. “It has been moved that….”
5. Discussion is held on the motion. During discussion, the chairperson invites members who are for and
against the motion to discuss it. Start the discussion by asking the person who made the suggestion to
support it. A chairperson cannot offer his/her opinion on a motion unless he leaves the “chair” by having
another officer temporarily take his/her place. The discussion ends when the chairperson prepares the
members for voting by restating the motion.
6. Voting: The Chairperson puts the motion to a vote by stating, "All those in favor say 'aye.'" (Pause for
vote) "Those opposed say 'no.' Different ways of voting are explained below.
7. The Chairperson announces the result of the vote to assure all members know whether the motion
carried or failed.
Voting on a Motion: Voting on issues requires a quorum of the membership to be present (quorum means 50% +
1, unless otherwise stated in the Bylaws).
The method of voting on any motion depends on the bylaws of your school.
There are five methods used to vote by most organizations, they are:
1. By Voice -- The Chairperson asks those in favor to say, "Aye", those opposed to say "No".
Any member may move for an exact count.
2. By Roll Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his name is called. This method
is used when a record of each person's vote is required.
3. By General Consent -- When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chairperson says,
"If there is no objection..." The membership shows agreement by their silence, however if one
member says, "I object," the item must be put to a vote.
4. By Division -- This is a slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require a count unless
the chairperson so desires. Members raise their hands or stand.
5. By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a slip of paper; this method is used when secrecy is desired. *
The chairperson does not vote, unless there is a tie or vote is taken by secret ballot.