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Procedure for Handling a Main Motion

Obtaining and assigning the floor

A member rises when no one else has the floor and addresses the chair:Mr./Madam, President, Mr./Madam Chairman or by other proper title.

1. In a large assembly, the member gives name and identification.
2. The member remains standing and awaits recognition by the chair.

The chair recognizes the member by announcing his name or title, or in a small assembly, by nodding to him.

How the Motion is Brought Before the Assembly

The member makes the motion: I move that (or "to") ... and resumes his seat.

Another member, without rising, seconds the motion: I second the motion or I second it or even second.

The chair states the motion: It is moved and seconded that ... Are you ready for the question?

Consideration of the Motion

1. Members can debate the motion.
2. Before speaking in debate, members obtain the floor as stated on opposite side of this card.
3. The maker of the motion has first right to the floor if he claims it properly.
4. All remarks must be addressed to the chair.
5. Debate must be confined to the merits of the motion.
6. Debate can be closed only by order of the assembly (2/3 vote) or by the chair if no one seeks the floor for further debate.

The chair puts the motion to a vote.

1. The chair asks: Are you ready for the question? If no one rises to claim the floor, the chair proceeds to take the vote.
2. The chair says: The question is on the adoption of the motion that ... As many as are in favor, say ‘Aye’. (Pause for response.) Those opposed, say 'No'. (Pause for response.)

The chair announces the result of the vote.

1. The ayes have it, the motion is adopted, and ... (indicating the effect of the vote) or
2. The noes have it and the motion is lost.

TO PASS YOUR MOTIONS

Do your homework

Study and research

Convince others to your way of thinking

Study your bylaws

Get your people to the meeting

Bring copy of bylaws and parliamentary authority

Make a motion

Have your seconder ready to promptly second the motion

Speak for the motion

Have others speak for the motion; have your support scattered

Try to get item high on the agenda

If you are ahead, push for immediate action

If you are losing, delay

Recess

If you are losing, vote with prevailing side and move to reconsider

If you are losing, accept amendments of opposition if you can live with the changes

Don't give up - there is another day

TO DEFEAT A MOTION

Do your homework

Study and research

Convince others to your way of thinking

Study your bylaws

Get your people to the meeting

Bring copy of bylaws and parliamentary authority

Speak against motion

Have others speak against motion

Move to postpone indefinitely

Move to amend

Move to refer or postpone definitely

Move to lay on table

Move to recess

Move to adjourn

If defeated, move to reconsider

Move to rescind