Session 7 - In Depth with Motions that Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly

Responses from you Ticket Outs from Session 7!

What are you curious about?

• Why is reconsider considered an American idea?
• Robert's says it is a motion that originated in America.
• Voting
• We'll go over this during Session 10.
• Reviewing Incidental Main Motions
• RONR, pg. 101-102, l. 5-26
• How often will the Zombie Motions come up?
• It depends on the organization. They usually are not used nearly as often as the other motions.
• Changing the by-laws of an organization
• We’ll learn more about that in Session 12 with Katie. Until then, check out RONR, pg. 592-599
• Can I retake the quiz before class?
• Yes! Email Katie or I and we’ll set up a time
• Rules in regards to electing and removing officers
• Chapter 14 has all about nominations and elections and RONR, pg. 650-654 is a section about removal of officers. We’ll learn more in session 11, but a lot of it will also depend on the organization’s bylaws.
• The way Congress uses reconsider
• Senate rules permit one motion to reconsider any question decided by vote, if offered by a senator who voted on the winning side. Normally a supporter of the outcome immediately moves to reconsider the vote, and the same senator or another immediately moves to table this motion, thus securing the outcome of the vote. http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/reconsider.htm
• This site has links to the rules and procedures that Congress follows. http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_index_subjects/Rules_and_Procedure_vrd.htm
• If someone does lie about voting on the prevailing side could they have any consequences if it’s proven?
• RONR, pg. 645-648 tells about discipline procedures for members who do something wrong during a meeting. You may also have certain consequences set aside for infractions in your bylaws as well.
• Previous notice
• This is an announcement that you are going to bring up a motion. It should be included in the call of the meeting or stated at the previous meeting. It also needs to include the entire content of the motion you are going to present. See RONR, pg. 121-124

What did you learn?

• Taking someone at their word regarding reconsider requires the chair to take that person at their word
• Motions that Bring Back Again Before the Assembly (MTBBABA)
• Three “Zombie Motions” – Take from the Table, Rescind, and Reconsider
• Discussion and amendments need to be germane to the motions
• You can vote on a reconsidered motion at the next meeting
• What can be reconsidered
• Reconsider is truly an American hero
• Rescind and expunge from the minutes can be completed with a majority of the entire membership
• You cannot reconsider the reconsider
• More strategies of how to use different motions together
• Reconsider Yes Chart

What do you want to learn more about?

• Getting accustomed to the rules of these three motions
• It'll take practice!
• The midterm
• Parts include: Written multiple choice, Research (finding answers in Robert’s), and  Performance
• We’ll review and go into more details next week
• Will there be midterm review material posted on Angel?
• We’ll hand out a review packet next session. Use the weekly quizzes and supplemental materials that are on Angel to study too.
• What goes into bylaws?
• We’ll learn about this in Session 12, but also check out Chapter 18
• How to use reconsider if your membership/organization does not use this idea
• Bring the motion back up at another meeting
• More about reconsider
• See RONR, pg. 315 and use the Yes Chart
• How to use the motions better
• Keep practicing and it will become more natural and easier. Also, try to think of ways that you can play motions off of each other to get what you want accomplished.
• Use of notification to change the vote necessary to pass these motions
• Reconsider and Take from the Table do not change based on previous notice. They both require a majority to pass. 
• Rescind requires a 2/3 vote or a majority vote if you give previous notice, or a majority of the entire membership. See RONR, pg. 306, l. 24-31
• Call the Previous Question logistics
• A member calls for the previous question and another seconds it. The chair takes a rising vote (because it needs 2/3 vote to pass). If it passes, all debate stops and the assembly votes immediately. 

Session 6 - In Depth with Incidental Motions - February 19

Responses from your Ticket Outs from Session 6!

What are you curious about?

• Suspend the Rules
• Suspend the Rules sets aside a rule of the Assembly. 
• Needs a second, not debatable, not amendable, cannot be reconsidered
• Requires a majority vote to suspend a Standing Rule, but requires a 2/3rds vote to suspend a parliamentary order or order of business
• Read everything about it here: RONR, p. 260
• Bylaws language
• Follow Ch. 18 starting on p. 565 on creating and writing the Bylaws with correct language. 
• We will be studying this more in depth on April 9th!
• Judging opportunities and coaching for them
• Talk to Dr. Foster for details!
• Is time the primary purpose you can only debate once in Appeal?
• Although RONR doesn't state anything specifically, time is a good reason, as is the fact that a decision has already been made and members are debating the validity of that decision. The Chair has the right to speak first or last.
• Read all about Appeal starting on RONR, p. 255
• The five other Incidental motions we didn't cover
• Consider by Paragraph or Seriatim: RONR, p. 267
• Motions Relating to the Methods of Voting and the Polls: RONR, p. 283
• Motions Relating to Nominations: RONR, p. 287
• Request to be Excused from a Duty: RONR, p. 289
• Requests and Inquiries: RONR, p. 292
• MTBBBTA ("zombie" motions)!
• Next week! Read Ch. 9 to prepare.
• Is there a way to formally call out an officer and re-vote the vote that gave them their office? Like a Call for the Orders of the Day but for the role of officers?
• I like that idea for a motion! Unfortunately, it doesn't exist though. 
• The best way to call out or punish an officer or member is to move to censure him or her. The rules regulating censures and the subsequent punishments are usually laid out in an organization's Bylaws.
• Incidental main motions and why they are used?
• They're main motions that are incidental, or related to, the Business of the Assembly or its past or future action. 
• They're used for procedure or to delineate further steps related to substantive Business (aka something introduced via a main motion)
• See RONR, p. 100-102
• Withdraw/Modify
• Use this motion to withdraw or modify a motion without having to take a vote
• Needs a second when modifying the motion. Needs no second when withdrawing the motion
• Not debatable. 
• Vote by general consent when asking to withdraw. The negative vote in withdrawing a motion can be reconsidered
• See RONR, p. 295-298

What did you learn?

• The eight Incidental ("popcorn") motions (POWPADDS)
• Point of Order
• Object to the Consideration of a Question
• Withdraw
• Parliamentary Inquiry
• Appeal
• Division of the Assembly
• Division of the Question
• Suspend the Rules
• Withdraw has conditions on voting
• You can't Appeal an opinion
• There can be numerous parts to your main motion and you can break it down by calling for Division of the Question
• Amendments can be divided with Division of the Question
• Division of the Assembly vs. Division of the Question
• Division of the Assembly: retaking a vote in a format where the result can be quantified. Call it when you don't trust a viva voce vote
• Division of the Question: dividing a motion into smaller sections to be dealt with individually
• How to Suspend the Rules and that the motion has different standards and restrictions when applied to different types of rules
• You can't Suspend Bylaws unless it's stated in the Bylaws that you can
• Incidental motions are for the unexpected and do not have an order of precedence
• How to properly use Object to the Consideration of a Question
• When you can Withdraw with or without a vote

What do you want to learn more about?

• Voting
• We'll be looking at Debate and Voting on April 2nd
• In the meantime, check out Ch. 13 in RONR (starting on p. 400)
• How to make sense of all 24 motions and their precedence
• Use the acronyms in order of precedence (FARQC, LCLRPRAP) and then POWPADDS and MTBBBTA and Main to remember them all. Keep up with your chart quiz studying and it will all fall into place before the semester is out! 
• Cassie and I would also be happy to meet with you to find the best way for everything to make sense for you :)
• Using Object to the Consideration of the Question in a model
• Check out RONR, p. 270!
• Suspend the Rules
• Suspend the Rules sets aside a rule of the Assembly. 
• Needs a second, not debatable, not amendable, cannot be reconsidered
• Requires a majority vote to suspend a Standing Rule, but requires a 2/3rds vote to suspend a parliamentary order or order of business
• Read everything about it here: RONR, p. 260
• MTBBBTA!
• Next week! Read Ch. 9 to prepare.
• Under what circumstances would you Withdraw a motion?
• Successfully withdrawing a motion makes it as if that motion never happened. There are many situations in which you might want that to happen, such as new information coming to light (for example, you want to move our midterm to March 12th, but then realize that's spring break) - see RONR, p. 41 for this particular example. 
• Using Chair language
• Pay attention to the phrasing used in class by Dr. Foster and your classmates, read the models of motions in RONR, and practice with your friends!
• Participating in debates as Chair
• You'll have at least two opportunities to Chair class this semester!
• Amending Bylaws
• Amending Bylaws is a variation of the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted. 
• It's an involved process and the process for each individual organization will be explained towards the end of their Bylaws document. We will be covering Bylaws on April 9th, but until then read RONR, p. 592-599
• Where in Roberts does it say about Withdraw needing a second after being stated?
• RONR, p. 40-41
• Object to the Consideration of a Question
• This prevents the main motion from being considered
•  No second, not debatable, not amendable. Because no second and no debate is needed, the Chair takes an immediate vote on the Object to the Consideration of a Question motion
• Requires a 2/3rds vote in the negative for the main motion to not be considered. Only a negative vote can be reconsidered
• Check out RONR, p. 267 on for more information
• Are there any example websites on Parli Pro videos?
• YouTube has tons!

Session 5 - The Fun One! - Feb 12

Session Recap

Chart Quizzes

• Chart quiz grades are posted on Angel.
• If you did not pick yours up after class, we'll have them next week too. 
• If you want to retake a quiz, please let either Katie or I know, and we'll set something up.
• Some things to remember:
• Be exact when naming motions
• Mark "weird" votes.   
• ex. Call for the Orders of the Day-No vote, but need 2/3 negative to set aside
• Think through why things are the way they are.    
• ex. There is nothing to amend on adjourn, therefore it is not amendable. 
• If you need help, want to clarify anything, etc. just ask!

Group Videos

• You guys did a fantastic job and were very productive with your videos! I'm proud of you all!
• Make sure as we learn more motions, you work on the two motions your group did not get to yesterday.
• Have either Katie or I check over your scripts before you film.

Session 3 - In Depth with Subsidiary Motions - January 29

Responses from your Tickets Out from Session 3!

What are you curious about?

• How often some organizations move to limit debate
• Depends on the organization
• Why did this class start?
• You should ask Dr. Foster!
• Subsidiary motions and what they are all about
• They Assist, Postpone, Modify, and Dispose of the Main Motion
• RONR, p. 62-66
• Better ways to run committee meetings
• We’ll learn that in session #12
• See RONR, p. 489-542 if you want information before then
• Best way to deal with people who don’t see the value of Parli Pro
• Talk to them and explain why it’s so useful! Anyone have any other ideas??
• Can you reconsider the motion to postpone indefinitely?
• An affirmative vote is reconsiderable RONR, p. 127, l. 17-20
• Still a bit confused about the difference between Lay on the Table and Postpone Definitely
• Lay on the Table is meant to put something aside for a short time because there is something more urgent that needs to happen right now. It doesn’t set a certain time to take the item up again (need to use Take from the Table). It is also not debatable or amendable. Postpone definitely just puts it off until a certain time (or another meeting).  This may be because you need to hold off on making a decision or because it needs to be decided at a more convenient time. It is debatable and amendable. RONR, p. 209-218 and RONR, p. 179-191
• The order of precedence
• For what we have learned so far: Lay on the Table, Call the Previous Question, Limit or Extend Limits of Debate, Postpone Definitely, Refer/Commit, Amend, Postpone Indefinitely, Main Motion
• How difficult the Parli Pro exam is
• If you study and practice, you should be ok! Below is some basic information and example questions
• All AP tests will use the same references and will consist of two parts: PART I: Five (5) open book parliamentary procedure research questions using the 2011 edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (to be provided by the taker of the test).
• Example: List the page and beginning line number of the following statement: “Until the chair states the question, the maker has the right to modify his motion as he pleases or to withdraw it entirely.” 
• Answer: Page 40 Beginning line number: 8
• PART II: Forty-five (45) multiple choice questions taken from Dunbar’s Manual of Parliamentary Test Questions and the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
• Example: Which of the following motions can the Previous Question be applied to?
• A. Adjourn
• B. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
• C. Raise a Question of Privilege
• D. Lay on the Table
• Answer: B
• SAEP-Accredited Parliamentarian Credential has more information about the accreditation exam if you’re interested.
• When incidental motions take priority over subsidiary motions
• Incidental motions rank higher when they are actually applicable to the motion that is pending and need to be taken care of immediately RONR, p. 72, l. 24-36
• How do you properly suspend the rules?
• Next Week!
• More about previous question
• See RONR, p. 197-209
• How does the chair keep it all in line?
• Taking notes or asking for the secretary’s help

What did you learn?

• You can amend an amendment
• Characteristics of the seven subsidiary motions
1. Lay on the Table
2. Call the Previous Question
3. Limit of Extend Limits of Debate
4. Postpone Definitely
5. Refer/Commit
6. Amend
7. Postpone Indefinitely
• Subsidiary motions are third in precedence compared to privileged motions
• How to properly use the previous question
• All about motions :)
• The specifics of subsidiary motions and the ins and outs of them
• Call the previous question is not debatable
• How to make subsidiary motions properly 
• Gavel Taps
• There are many ways to use the subsidiary motions to your advantage and ultimately get your way
• The proper use of a lot of the motions I had sort of known about
• There are four types of committees
• Applying the motions to real scenarios

What do you want to learn more about?

• Why would you use postpone indefinitely instead of just voting it down?
• Postpone indefinitely is used when you can’t adopt or reject the motion without undesirable consequences. It kills the motion without taking a direct vote on the motion. RONR, p. 126, l. 7-9
• Also for strategy purposes (the Parliamentarian’s Motion) RONR, p. 128, l. 17-33
• A way to speak properly during a meeting
• We’ll go over debate later on. But until then try RONR, p. 385-399
• Committee of the Whole
• RONR, p. 529-542
• Looking forward to running through more practice session
• Yay!
• If the chairman makes a significant mistake, how is that corrected or brought to attention?
• Point of Order…we’ll learn about that next week!
• How to become more fluent in my Parli Pro
• Read and Practice!
• Incidental Motions
• That’s next week!
• How reconsider works
• We’ll learn about that in session #6
• Example of debating the motion to postpone indefinitely
• The following video has this motion starting at 5:10  
• Meridian FFA-2012 National FFA Convention Parli Pro Finals

Session 3 - Subsidiary Motions

Remember! See out your own understanding and meaning by asking questions via twitter or blog comments!

How to Make a Motion [YOUTUBE VIDEO]

Hey everyone,

Check out this 2 minute video for a short review of last week's Session 2!


See you on Wednesday to go in-depth into Subsidiary motions!

Session 2 - Motions: the Nuts ‘N’ Bolts of Parliamentary Procedure - January 22nd

Responses to your Tickets Out from Session 2!

What are you curious about?

• The progression/malleability of Robert's within an org. What liberty is acceptable?
• Each organization will allow different levels of liberty. The point is to ensure that business is always being conducted efficiently.
• The 13 ranking motions:
  1.       Fix Time to Which to Adjourn (P)
  2.       Adjourn (P)
  3.       Recess (P)
  4.       Question of Privilege (P)
  5.       Call for the Orders of the Day (P)
  6.       Lay on the Table (S)
  7.       Call for Previous Question (S)
  8.       Limit or Extend Limits of Debate (S)
  9.       Postpone Definitely (S)
  10.   Refer to a Committee (S)
  11.   Amend (S)
  12.   Postpone Indefinitely (S)
  13.   Main Motion (M)
  * P indicates “privileged motions” – They will be discussed in depth on February 1st
  * S indicates “subsidiary motions” – They will be discussed in depth on January 25th
  * M indicates “main motions” – it was discussed in depth tonight on January 22nd
• Why can you not attempt to drown out a disorderly member with the gavel? They are being disorderly, so you should be able to obtain order. 
• See RONR, p. 387
• What is the best way to study the 13 motions?
• We will cover tips and tricks throughout learning the motions, but I personally found creating a table with the motions and their requirements helpful.
• What happens when a member is censured? Are there common punishments?
•  Each organization will have different punishments for a censured member in their Bylaws.
• If the Chair does not know can s/he ask a member for help?
• Of course. Many organizations have a Parliamentarian for these situations though. Also, many Chairs have basic Parli Pro rules and motions on a sheet in front of them when they are running a meeting.
• Gavel procedure
• Some common practices:
• One tap: completion of business, members sit, meeting adjourned
• Two taps: call meeting to order
• Three taps: signals members should stand
• Several sharp taps: restores order
• Learning about all the secondary motions, there are way more than I thought there were!
• We will be covering the secondary motions (subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions) during the next 3 sessions! 
• Subsidiary motions
• Next Wednesday!
• Proper timing and use of common motions
• We will be covering how to effectively use motions as we learn each one.
• The proper use of objections
• See RONR, p. 267-270 

What did you learn?

• 13 motions and how they are ranked
• That we should motion to introduce legislation
• Original motions are the motions to bring new business
• Anyone can move to "object to the consideration of a question" but the motion requires a two-thirds vote to pass
• Division of the question is allowed if you agree with only part of a resolution
• Motions can only be reconsidered by people who were on the prevailing side
• How to appeal the Chair's decision
• The 10 rules of Parli Pro

1.  The rights of an organization supersede the rights of individual members.
2. All members are equal and their rights are equal.
3. A quorum must be present to do business.
4. The majority rules.
5. Silence is consent.
6. Two-thirds vote rule
7. One question at a time; one speaker at a time
8. Debatable motions must receive full debate
9. Once a question is decided, it is not in order to bring up the same motion, or one essentially like it, at the same meeting.
10. Personal remarks in debate are always out of order.
    

• The 6 steps to make a motion (see RONR, pp. 32, 42, 120)

1. Making the motion
2. Another member seconds the motion
3. The Chair states the motion 
4. Debating the question
5. Putting the question
6. Announcing the result of the vote

• Some common mistakes in making motions
• We improperly run our UPUA meetings
• About the main motions and meetings
• There are 2 types of main motions: original main and incidental main
• The lowest ranking motion is a main motion
• The consequences of a censure is determined by the organization's Bylaws
• Object to consideration of a question
• Primary and secondary motions
• Proper use of the gavel
• A lot! There is much to be learned about Parli Pro, but the subject matter is accessible
• Gavel taps

What do you want to learn more about?

• Parli Pro strategy and loopholes and how to implement Parli Pro when one is not chairing the meeting
• We will be learning tips and strategies throughout the semester to run meetings effectively whether one is Chair or not! You will have lots of practice in either position.
• How, as a future educator, can I teach Parli Pro to my students effectively?
• Pay attention to how Dr. Foster is teaching you, he is a great Professor!
• Proper use of the gavel 
• Some common practices:
• One tap: completion of business, members sit, meeting adjourned
• Two taps: call meeting to order
• Three taps: signals members should stand
• Several sharp taps: restores order

•  The 13 ranking motions
• There are 13 ranking motions and we will be learning them in the next three sessions
• Properly stating a motion
• "I move to..." or "I move that..."
• Can you ask the Secretary to restate the main motion?
• The Chair must state the motion (#3 of the 6 Steps to Make a Motion). You can ask him/her to restate the main motion whenever you need. We will be learning how during session 5 on February 8th. 
• To read about how to ask for this, see RONR, p. 294-295
• Secondary motions
• We will be covering the secondary motions (subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions) during the next 3 sessions!
• I want to act out examples to retain the information better
• We will be doing interactive activities every week!
• The small details in specific motions
• We will be learning the most important details when we learn about each individual motion. Keep doing your reading for the smallest details!
• More efficient ways to run meetings
• Stay tuned this whole semester ;)
• The process of postponing indefinitely
• Next Wednesday!
• Incidental motions
• See you at session 5 on February 8th!
• Parliamentary inquiry
• See RONR, p. 294-295