Robert's Rules of Order were written in 1876 by a military engineer who intended to create a set of rules for meetings.The rules allow groups of people to debate subjects in a way that gives equal and fair orders to all of them.The Rules are designed in a way that they can be adapted to any organization's needs.
Step 1: You need to gain the floor.
The chairperson must acknowledge the member before he speaks.The member is not allowed to continue speaking until the chairperson has acknowledged him by name.The procedure to begin speaking is against it.
Step 2: A motion is brought.
A member must be acknowledged by the chairperson if a motion is to be considered.The speaker can say "I move that we" when the motion is to be discussed.The current motion should be the focus of the debate.Motions to be voted on will usually be set on an agenda.Robert's Rules of Order allow for the agenda to be amended by adding or taking off motions, changing the order of motions or amending the motions.
Step 3: The motion must be brought to the debate.
If no one stands to discuss the motion, then it goes straight to vote.
Step 4: The member who proposed the motion should get preference.
The person who moved the motion has the right to speak.He has the most direct knowledge of his motion and can explain it better than his peers.
Step 5: There are rules for a civil debate.
The rules are meant to make sure that the debate focuses on the merits of the motion.Any discussion of anything else can be ruled out of order.All comments should be directed to the chairperson.Cross talk between members could lead to a personal confrontation.You can't discuss personality or motives.If you use language that is not courteous, you should stop.Everyone who is interested in speaking must speak at least once.The debate should alternate between speakers who are pro and con.To make the import of the comment clear, comments should be directed at either a motion or amendment.
Step 6: The motion can be amended.
The wording of the motion can be changed by anyone.He needs to be acknowledged by the chairperson.A majority vote can be held after they say "Madame Chair, I move that the motion be amended by adding the following words."One can ask that the motion be amended by adding the following words.If the motion is changed, the person who originally supported it is free to withdraw their support.It will be necessary to find another person to follow the motion.
Step 7: The motion must be brought to vote.
If no one wants to continue the debate, the chairperson will ask "As many as are in favor, say 'Aye.'"The chair will announce the results after counting votes.When the chair announces the results, she will either say that the motion passed or that it failed.Once acknowledged, say "I move the previous question" and the chair will call a vote.A majority is needed to end the debate.There will be a separate vote on the motion at that point.
Step 8: The call point is personal privilege.
It can be used to interrupt a speaker if the member is having trouble participating in the debate because it is too loud or they are uncomfortable with the temperature.A member does not need to be acknowledged.The member should say what his issue is after the chair asks him to state his point.
Step 9: The point of order is where you should call.
When the speaker is believed to be violating a rule, a point of order can be called.If the speaker is talking about something other than the motion at hand, this can be used.The person calling a point of order doesn't need to be acknowledged by the chair.He can explain his objection after being acknowledged by the chair.
Step 10: It's a point of information.
A person without acknowledgement of the chair can stand and ask a question.The amount of money in the budget is relevant to the question.Speaker should announce a point of information.
Step 11: Refer to a group.
You can refer a matter to the committee if you think more research is needed before voting on it.A small group of people analyze the motion in more detail.The motion can be brought to the whole group for approval.After being acknowledged, the speaker should say "Madame Chair, I move that the question be referred to the committee made up of members."
Step 12: Robert's Rules of Order is a must have.
It can be difficult to memorize Robert's Rules of Order.A copy of the Rules will allow an individual to look up any rules that he needs clarification.The full text of older editions of the Rules can be found on the internet.The current edition of the Rules can be purchased in book format.Some quick summaries of the rules and treatments of specialized subjects can be found on the website for Robert's Rules of Order.
Step 13: The rules must be reviewed by all members.
Robert's Rules of Order can only be effective if everyone at the meeting is willing to follow the rules.The Rules allow for a respectful and courteous discussion of ideas at board meetings.If members don't understand the rules, they will be disadvantaged in the discussion.There are many maneuvers that speakers can use to their advantage.It can be difficult for a novice to exert enough control over the debate to be an expert.A meeting should be held to discuss the rules and practice them.The Rules are easy to understand, but it takes some work to put them into practice.Members have to think about the rules before speaking.Practice the Rules in a group setting is the only way to get them down.
Step 14: An expert will be the chair.
The chairperson will make sure that the rules are followed.The chairperson might have to explain the rules to the members.The chairperson needs to be knowledgeable of the rules.
Step 15: It is a good idea to practice.
Practice is the only way to master the rules.After running many meetings under these rules, you should have a better idea of how they work.You can find courses that will allow you to learn and practice procedures.