The Union Relies On Robert’s Rules

Robert’s Rules of Order is a renowned manual of parliamentary procedure designed to facilitate efficient and fair decision-making within meetings and deliberative assemblies. Originally penned by Henry Martyn Robert in the late 19th century, these rules provide a framework for conducting orderly discussions, making decisions, and reaching consensus in group settings.

The guidelines encompass various aspects, such as establishing meeting agendas, proposing and debating motions, voting procedures, handling points of order or appeals, and ensuring equitable participation among members. By delineating a structured approach to conducting meetings, Robert’s Rules aim to uphold democratic principles, promote respectful discourse, and enable groups to navigate complex discussions and decision-making processes with clarity, efficiency, and fairness.

[Point of Order], [Point of Privilege], [Point of Information], [Point of Inquiry]

[Motion], [Cheat Sheet]

Source: https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/roberts-rules-of-order-cheat-sheet/,    http://www.rulesonline.com/

   What Is The Purpose Of Robert’s Rules

Robert’s Rules of Order comprises several fundamental points and principles that guide the conduct of meetings and deliberative assemblies. These points collectively form the framework of Robert’s Rules, enabling organizations and assemblies to conduct meetings efficiently, fairly, and democratically. They provide structure and clarity, allowing for the orderly progression of discussions and decision-making processes.

• Orderly Conduct: Emphasis on maintaining order and decorum during meetings, ensuring that discussions proceed in a structured and respectful manner.
• Parliamentary Procedure: Providing a standardized framework for conducting meetings, including rules for making motions, debating topics, and voting.
• Recognition and Speaking Rights: Establishing procedures for recognizing members who wish to speak, ensuring fair and equitable participation while preventing disruptions.
• Motions: Defining various types of motions, such as main motions, subsidiary motions (like amendments or postponing), privileged motions (urgent matters), and incidental motions (addressing procedural issues).
• Voting: Outlining procedures for conducting votes, including methods like voice votes, show of hands, or ballot votes, as well as rules for determining majority or super-majority outcomes.
• Debate Rules: Establishing guidelines for debates, specifying time limits, the order of speakers, and restrictions on repetition to ensure productive discussions.
• Points of Order and Appeals: Allowing members to raise objections if the rules are violated (point of order) and providing the process for appealing the chair’s decisions.
• Adjournment: Outlining the process for ending a meeting, setting criteria for when and how meetings can be adjourned.

   What Is a Motion

   Types Of Order

• Point of Order: This motion is raised when a member believes there has been a breach of the rules of order or procedure during a meeting. It seeks to correct or address the deviation from established rules to maintain the integrity and fairness of the proceedings.
• Point of Privilege: This motion concerns the rights and privileges of the assembly or individual members. It typically relates to urgent matters affecting the rights, safety, or privileges of the assembly, allowing members to address immediate concerns that could impede or impact the meeting’s proceedings.
• Point of Information: This motion allows a member to request factual or clarifying information relevant to the ongoing discussion or debate. It aims to provide additional details or clarity on a particular subject without interrupting the current discussion.
• Point of Inquiry: This motion permits a member to seek clarification or ask questions about the proceedings or the proper procedures being followed during the meeting. It allows for queries regarding the status or process of the meeting itself.

   Cheat Sheet (Not Exhaustive)

Action	What to Say	Interrupt speaker	Need Seconder	Debatable	Amendable	Votes Required
Introduce main motion	I move to...	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Amend a motion	I move to amend the motion by...	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Move item to committee	I move that we refer the matter to committee	No	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
Postpone item	I move to postone the matter until...	No	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
End debate	I move to the previous question	No	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
Object to procedure	Point of order	Yes	No	No	No	Majority
Recess the meeting	I move that we recess until...	No	Yes	No	No	Chair Decision
Adjourn the meeting	I move to adjourn the meeting	No	Yes	No	No	Majority
Request information	Point of information	Yes	No	No	No	No vote
Overrule the chair	I move to overrule the chairs ruling	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
Extend the allotted time	I move to extend the time by (x) minutes	No	Yes	No	Yes	2/3
Enforce the rules	Point of order	Yes	No	No	No	No vote
Point out incorrect procedure	Point of order	Yes	No	No	No	No vote
Take up a previous tabled item	I move to take from the table...	No	Yes	No	No	Majority
Consider something out of scheduled order	I move to suspend the rules and consider...	No	Yes	No	No	2/3
Personal preference: noise, temperature, distraction	Point of privilege	Yes	No	No	No	No vote

Source: https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/roberts-rules-of-order-cheat-sheet/