Roberts Rules Of Order printable pdf download

Roberts Rules of Order – Simplified

Guiding Principle:

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.

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. 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 changes.

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.

rds

Move to limit debate to a set period of time or to a set number of speakers. Requires a 2/3

vote.

You have heard enough discussion.

rds

Move to close the debate. Requires a 2/3

vote. Or move to previous question. This cuts off

rds

discussion and brings the assembly to a vote on the pending question only. Requires a 2/3

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

rds

dead. To kill a motion at the time it is tabled requires a 2/3

vote. A majority is required to

table a motion without killing it.

Roberts Rules Of Order

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