What do you want to doĪsk for the conditions to be changed (a point of personal privilege) Some of these are also known as “stating a point” and don’t need to be seconded. Let’s look at the types of privileged motion and how to ask for them under RONR. Privileged motionsĪ privileged motion is often something with great importance or urgency. To end consideration of the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions, allowing for urgent business to be considered. Generally speaking, this is two minutes for each person to discuss their perspective on the debate. To alter the limitations on the number or length of speeches, after rules have previously been adopted. Including postponing definitely, or postponing to a different time, to delay the consideration of the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions. To send the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions to a committee for consideration. To change or alter the main motion before voting on it. Technically, it’s not postponed the consideration of it is cancelled altogether. This allows you to stop any conversation around the main motion and to stop the vote on it. Below are the subsidiary motion options, starting with the highest in precedence to the lowest. Subsidiary motions are motions that affect the main motion – they need to be dealt with prior to the vote on the main motion. But, despite their name, they’re not untouchable – they can be altered by other forms of motions, such as subsidiary motions. At their core, main motions are the bigger questions that need to be updated. According to RONR, the main motion, or a principal motion, is “a motion made to bring before the assembly, for its consideration, on any particular subject…It takes precedence of nothing…and it yields to all privileged, incidental, and subsidiary motions”. The most important form of motion is the main motion. Let’s take a look at what types of motions there are and how to present each of them. If no one seconds a motion, it shows that there is no one else in the organisation who wants to see the motion debated and discussed. This process ensures that all decisions in the common interest are discussed, all member feedback is heard and then the motion can be passed (or not) by a majority vote of the quorum. Once a motion is shared, it must be seconded by another member to move forward: “I second this motion”. Negative motions aren’t allowed according to RONR, so you can’t say “I think we should NOT do this” or “I move that we don’t”, but you could say “I move that we hire an in-house marketing team”, for example, because it is a positive motion. Instead of saying “I think we should do this”, which you may do in an informal meeting, motions need to be presented by saying “I move”. All members have equal rights to be heard when discussing a motion.You cannot raise another motion until all other motions are settled or adjourned – one motion must be discussed at a time.Only one person should speak at a time.Positive (action) motions are permitted, not negative.Some of the basic rules for using motions in Robert’s Rules of Order are: It’s how decisions are made among the committee. It’s a statement that describes an action or a decision. So, what are motions in Robert’s Rules of Order and how can we make sure they are presented and voted on fairly?ħ References and further reading What do motions mean?Ī motion is a proposal by a member of the group. One of the main elements of running meetings in this way is the use of motions – a critical part of almost any meeting. The latest edition is Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised – also known as RONR – which was published in September 2020. As such, it’s also been adopted globally for school PTA meetings, board meetings and non-profit businesses alike. Today, Robert’s Rules (which has since undergone many updates and new editions based on usage, feedback and modernisation) is the most widely used set of rules for parliamentary procedure in the US.
Give all members an equal opportunity to have their voices heard.The rules were inspired by the senate procedure at the time. Almost 150 years ago, in 1876, US army officer Henry Martyn Robert created Robert’s Rules to help churches and organisations run their meetings fairly.