Parliamentary Procedure: A Quick Reference Guide For Conservation District Officials printable pdf download

Parliamentary Procedure: A Quick Reference Guide For Conservation District Officials

Parliamentary Procedure

A Quick Reference Guide for Conservation District Officials

Parliamentary Procedure is a safeguard that protects individuals and groups

in their exercise of free speech, free assembly and free to unite in groups and

organizations. Its purpose is to promote efficient meetings so business can be

transacted in an orderly manner. The rules of Parliamentary Procedure come

from actual court decisions regarding the proper way to conduct business.

Because the process can be somewhat daunting, NACD has produced a con-

densed quick reference for your use in local district meetings. These same

rules apply for region and national meetings. While this ready reference does

not go in depth into every rule needed to run effective, successful meetings, it

does provide a few basics to get you started or refresh your memory. Please

check references at the end of the brochure for additional resources.

Basic Principles

• Only one topic or motion should be addressed at a time, and procedings

must be carried out in the correct order.

• Once presented for consideration, the topic is entitled to full and free dis-

cussion.

• All members are equal.

• Majority rules, but minority rights must be recognized.

• Secret ballot is a right.

Steps in Making a Board Decision

1. Motion—a motion is a request that something be done or that

something is the opinion or wish of the District. Only one motion should

be placed before the Board at a time, at which point it is debatable and

amendable.

2. Second—someone from the District Board must “second” the motion,

or agree to the motion so it can be discussed by the full Board.

3. Discussion—the motion “on the floor” is discussed by all members to

address its pros and cons.

4. Re-state the motion—the Chair re-states the motion before the Board

votes on it.

5. Vote—votes by voice (aye/no) by show of hands; by standing; by secret

ballot; or by roll call vote are all acceptable ways to carry out a vote.

Parliamentary Procedure: A Quick Reference Guide For Conservation District Officials