Roberts Rules of Order –
Simplified
Guiding
Pr
inciples
:
• Everyone has the right to participate in discussion if they wish, before anyone may
speak a second time.
• Everyone has the right to know what is going on at all times. Only urgent matters may
interrupt a speaker.
• Only one thing (motion) can be discussed at a time.
A motion is the topic under discussion (e.g., “I move that we add a coffee break to this meeting”). After
being recognized by the president of the board, any member can introduce a motion when no other
motion is on the table. A motion requires a second to be considered. If there is no second, the matter is
not considered. Each motion must be disposed of (passed, defeated, tabled, referred to committee, or
postponed indefinitely).
How to do
things
:
You want to bring up a new idea before the
group.
After recognition by the president of the board, present your motion. A second is required for
the motion to go to the floor for discussion, or consideration.
You want to change some of the
wording
in a motion under
discussion.
After recognition by the president of the board, move to amend by
•
adding words,
•
striking words or
•
striking and inserting words.
You like the idea of a motion being
discussed,
but you need to reword it beyond
simple
word
chan
ges.
Move to substitute your motion for the original motion. If it is seconded, discussion will continue
on both motions and eventually the body will vote on which motion they prefer.
You want more study and/or
investigation
given to the idea being
discussed.
Move to refer to a committee. Try to be specific as to the charge to the committee.
You want more time
personally
to study the
proposal
being
discussed.
Move to postpone to a definite time or date.
You are tired of the current
discussion.
Move to limit debate to a set period of time or to a set number of speakers. Requires a 2/3
rds
vote.
You have heard enough
discussion.
Move to close the debate. Also referred to as calling the question. This cuts off discussion and
brings the assembly to a vote on the pending question only. Requires a 2/3
rds
vote.
You want to
postpone
a motion until some later
time.
Move to table the motion. The motion may be taken from the table after 1 item of business has
been conducted. If the motion is not taken from the table by the end of the next meeting, it is
dead. To kill a motion at the time it is tabled requires a 2/3
rds
vote. A majority is required
to table
a motion without killing it.