BarCharts - Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure is used withinOrganizations established to conduct business in theform of a Meeting. An Organization can be a formallychartered group with long term and diverse goals, or any group of people getting together for one or more specific purposes. Business is the reason for the get-together. And the Meeting is the specific period during which thegroup is together at any one time.

Prior to formally beginning a meeting of any group for the first time, the following is necessary:

1. Selecting a Chair and a Secretary.To begin the first meeting of any organization, thetwo officers needed are a Chair and a Secretary. TheChair (so named because he/she will occupy theChair of Office) is the person who will control themeeting and keep it orderly. The Secretary willrecord the minutes (literally: a minute by minute logof all events) of the meeting for a formal record.In practice, any one can step forward andnominate anyone (including him/herself) to beChair. This is done by simply announcing: "Imove that so-and-so be named Chair." Someone elsemust then second the motion by saying...well... "Isecond the motion." (Others may then "move" othernames in nomination.) In any event, after one ormore names are moved and seconded a vote is called for(usually, but not necessarily, by the initiator of themotion) and the Chair is selected by the majority. TheChair now calls for nominations for Secretary. One ormore names will be put into nomination, and a vote willaffirm the winner.Your first official meeting is now ready to begin.

There are, for all practical purposes, two types of meetings: Regular and Special.

1. Regular meeting is one held according to a prearranged schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) to consider the ongoing work of an existing organization.
2. Special meeting may be called within anorganization or may be set up by an ad hoc (literally: for the moment) body. Although there is no actual limit on matters that can be brought up at a special meeting, it usually confines itself to one or two topics of discussion. The meeting now begins:
   1. The Chair calls the meeting to order.
   2. In a Special Meeting the Chair "recognizes" (i.e. callsupon) a member of the audience who will make amotion to discuss the matter for which the meetingwas called. In a Regular Meeting the Chair proceedsas discussed in the Articles that follow.
   3. Whether the meeting is "Special" or "Regular" from this point on, it is guided by, and follows, the procedures that follow.

SECTION 1.

INTRODUCING BUSINESS

1. Make a Motion.
   1. Present a plan of action for the committee to undertake.
      1. Formally presented as: "I move that..."
         1. It cannot be stressed enough that a "motion" is foraction. It is not a "suggestion." When, ultimately, a motion is "carried" (i.e. voted for), it will be implemented.
2. Present a Communication.
   1. May come from within or outside of the group.
      1. Demand/request the group to undertake certain actions.
         1. Some groups may require a motion to receive a communication, but this can be waived.

SECTION 2.

OBTAINING THE FLOOR

1. Rise and address the Chair by Title (i.e."Mr./Madam Chairperson") and, when recognized, make motion or statement.
   1. The Chair, however, has the highest priority as "mover." If the Chair rises first, you must remain seated. (36)
   v If two or more rise at the same time, Chair decides whom to recognize based on:
   1. Maker of Motion takes initial precedence, indiscussion.
   2. New speaker takes precedence over one who hasalready spoken to motion. (26)
   3. Allowance for opposing view.

   Note:There are certain motions that takeprecedence over any others which are discussed at the appropriate place. (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 27)

SECTION 3.

WHAT PRECEDES DEBATE ON A QUESTION

1. Motion is made. (46)
2. Motion is seconded. (For exceptions see 13, 14, 15)
3. Motion is stated by the Presiding Officer so that all are clear on exactly what is, and is not, underdiscussion. (65)

SECTION 4.

MOTIONS TO BE PUT IN WRITING AND DIVISIONS

1. All principal Motions (6), Amendments, and Instructions to Committees should be in writing although this is not mandatory. It is, however, common sense.
2. Motions may be divided, as long as the componentparts are not interdependent. If they are, anAmendment (23) - not a division - is called for.