Parliamentary Procedure Toastmasters !
The Basics
Steps to Handling a Main Motion
Have you ever watched in wonder as a business was conducted in an organization to which you belong? Most of us have heard someone make a motion and someone else second the motion. There is an important next step - debate of the motion. For your reference, Here are the steps involved in handling a 'main' motion.
- A member signals to be recognized.
- A chair recognizes the member.
- The member makes a motion.
- Another member, without recognition, seconds the motion.
- The chair formally places the motion before the assembly by restating the motion.
- Organization members debate the motion.
- The chair then puts the motion to a vote.
- The chair announces the result of the vote.
Terms
Quorum – minimum number of members required to transact business
Bylaws – basic regulations governing the organization
Standing Rules – details concerning administration of organization
Motion – formal proposal that an action be taken
Presiding Officer – meeting leader who sees that rules are observed
