Parli Pro Tips
Parli Pro Vocabulary
Assembly: a group of people meeting together for a common purpose
Chair: the officer who presides over a meeting of an organization Germane: relevant and positive pertaining to the subject under consideration Minutes: a written account of what happened at meeting New Business: new matters presented to the assembly Old Business: unresolved or tabled discussions from a previous meeting Quorum: an assembly of members who must be present in order that business can validly be transacted. Example: If an organization has 25 members, 13 must be present in order for there to be a quorum. Meaning of Gavel Taps |
One Tap: signal for members to sit, after announcing if a motion passed or failed, closing/adjournment of a meeting, gain attention
Two Taps: calling the meeting to order Three Taps: signal form members to stand/rise Sharp, Repeated Taps: restore order in the meeting room |
Main Motion
Purpose: To introduce business before the assembly; such as a motion can be made only while no other motion is pending.
-A main motion can be made my saying, "I move that...".
-A person making a main motion cannot interrupt another person who has the floor.
-A main motion requires a second.
-The person that made the motion has first right to speak on the motion.
-The person that made the motion cannot speak against the main motion, but they can vote against it.
-A person can only discuss two times on a main motion.
-A main motion can be amended.
-A main motion requires a majority vote from the quorum of members.
-A main motion can be made my saying, "I move that...".
-A person making a main motion cannot interrupt another person who has the floor.
-A main motion requires a second.
-The person that made the motion has first right to speak on the motion.
-The person that made the motion cannot speak against the main motion, but they can vote against it.
-A person can only discuss two times on a main motion.
-A main motion can be amended.
-A main motion requires a majority vote from the quorum of members.
Amendment
Purpose: To modify the wording within certain limits of the meaning of a pending motion before the pending motion itself is acted upon.
-An amendment can be made by saying, "I move to amend...".
-A person making an amendment cannot interrupt another person who has the floor.
-An amendment requires a second.
-The person that made the amendment has first right to speak on the amendment.
-A person can only discuss two times on an amendment.
-An amendment can be amended.
-An amendment requires a majority vote.
-A vote is taken on an amendment before the main motion.
-If the amendment passes, the main motion now reads as stated by the amendment.
Ways to Amend:
1. Inserting
a. Words can be added to a main motion through an amendment to make the motion more specific or clearer.
2. Striking Out
a. Words can be taken out of a main motion that are unnecessary or unclear.
3. Striking Out and Inserting
a. Words can be taken out and new words can be inserted to change an aspect of the main motion.
i. Note: The original purpose of the main motion cannot be taken away through an amendment.
-An amendment can be made by saying, "I move to amend...".
-A person making an amendment cannot interrupt another person who has the floor.
-An amendment requires a second.
-The person that made the amendment has first right to speak on the amendment.
-A person can only discuss two times on an amendment.
-An amendment can be amended.
-An amendment requires a majority vote.
-A vote is taken on an amendment before the main motion.
-If the amendment passes, the main motion now reads as stated by the amendment.
Ways to Amend:
1. Inserting
a. Words can be added to a main motion through an amendment to make the motion more specific or clearer.
2. Striking Out
a. Words can be taken out of a main motion that are unnecessary or unclear.
3. Striking Out and Inserting
a. Words can be taken out and new words can be inserted to change an aspect of the main motion.
i. Note: The original purpose of the main motion cannot be taken away through an amendment.
Point of Privilege
Purpose: To raise a question of privilege is a device that permits a request or main motion relating to the rights and privileges of the assembly or any members to be brought up for immediate consideration because of its urgency while business is pending, otherwise it would be out of order.
-A point of privilege can be called for by rising and saying, "Point of Privilege".
-The chairperson or presiding officer will then say, "State your point".
-The person asking for the point of privilege will then say their point.
-The chairperson or presiding officer will grant or deny the privilege.
-If the privilege is granted the person may carry out their privilege.
If the privilege is denied the person is not able to carry out their privilege asked.
Examples:
-To use the restroom
-To get a drink
-To leave early
-To adjust the comfort of the room
-A point of privilege can be called for by rising and saying, "Point of Privilege".
-The chairperson or presiding officer will then say, "State your point".
-The person asking for the point of privilege will then say their point.
-The chairperson or presiding officer will grant or deny the privilege.
-If the privilege is granted the person may carry out their privilege.
If the privilege is denied the person is not able to carry out their privilege asked.
Examples:
-To use the restroom
-To get a drink
-To leave early
-To adjust the comfort of the room
Division of the Assembly
Purpose: When a member feels that the presiding officer did not call the correct vote on a motion.
-If a member feels that the presiding officer did not call the correct vote, the member says, "Division".
-This is an interruptable motion, but it must be called before another item of business is on the floor
-There does not need to be a second.
-It is not debateable.
-It is not amendable.
-The chairperson or presiding officer will call for a recall of the vote, this time making sure all votes are specifically counted.
Examples:
-Rising vote
-Vote by raising hands
-Ballot Vote
-Roll Call Vote
-The secretary will assist the presiding officer in counting the vote.
-The presiding officer will announce the new vote, and then the presiding officer can move on to the next item of business.
*Note: If the vote results in a tie, the presiding officer makes the final decision.
-If a member feels that the presiding officer did not call the correct vote, the member says, "Division".
-This is an interruptable motion, but it must be called before another item of business is on the floor
-There does not need to be a second.
-It is not debateable.
-It is not amendable.
-The chairperson or presiding officer will call for a recall of the vote, this time making sure all votes are specifically counted.
Examples:
-Rising vote
-Vote by raising hands
-Ballot Vote
-Roll Call Vote
-The secretary will assist the presiding officer in counting the vote.
-The presiding officer will announce the new vote, and then the presiding officer can move on to the next item of business.
*Note: If the vote results in a tie, the presiding officer makes the final decision.
Limit or Extend Debate
Purpose: When a motion is having to much debate and a member feels the meeting needs to move on to further business.
-If a member feels that debate is going on too long or that debate needs to be continued, the member calls to limit or extend debate on a motion.
-A person wishing to limit or extend debate will rise, address the chairperson, and say, "I move to limit debate to...".
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is no debate.
-This is amendable.
-The person calling to extend or limit debate can do so in a few ways.
Examples:
-Maximum times a members may speak to debate
-Set number of times a member may speak
-Set a total number to speak in favor or opposed a motion
-Set a time limit on debate
-Define a set time allotted for discussion
-This motion requires a 2/3 vote meaning that the vote has to be taken by standing, hands, ballot, or roll call.
-If the motion passes to the requirements set by the motion, they must be upheld, and then a vote on the main motion will take place.
-If a member feels that debate is going on too long or that debate needs to be continued, the member calls to limit or extend debate on a motion.
-A person wishing to limit or extend debate will rise, address the chairperson, and say, "I move to limit debate to...".
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is no debate.
-This is amendable.
-The person calling to extend or limit debate can do so in a few ways.
Examples:
-Maximum times a members may speak to debate
-Set number of times a member may speak
-Set a total number to speak in favor or opposed a motion
-Set a time limit on debate
-Define a set time allotted for discussion
-This motion requires a 2/3 vote meaning that the vote has to be taken by standing, hands, ballot, or roll call.
-If the motion passes to the requirements set by the motion, they must be upheld, and then a vote on the main motion will take place.
Lay on the Table
Purpose: To put the current motion aside, while still having time to come back to the motion at the next meeting in order to attend to more urgent business.
-If a member feels that this motion can be held off until the next meeting in order to discuss another motion that is more pressing, a member will move to lay the current item of business on the table.
-A person wishing to lay on the table will say, "I move to lay on the table the motion to..."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is not debate.
-This is not amendable.
*Note: This motion cannot be set to a certain time, it is implied that it will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
-If the motion is not brought up at the next meeting, the motion laid on the table dies.
-This motion requires majority vote.
-If the motion to lay on the table passes, the chairperson will move on to the next item of business.
-If the motion to lay on the table fails, the chairperson will continue to ask for discussion on the motion.
Example: Member: "I move to lay on the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip."
-"Second"
-Chairperson: "It has been properly moved and seconded to lay on the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip."
-Motion passes or fails. If it passes then the chapter can go on to more pressing matters like a PAX form about an event for the next week.
-If a member feels that this motion can be held off until the next meeting in order to discuss another motion that is more pressing, a member will move to lay the current item of business on the table.
-A person wishing to lay on the table will say, "I move to lay on the table the motion to..."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is not debate.
-This is not amendable.
*Note: This motion cannot be set to a certain time, it is implied that it will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
-If the motion is not brought up at the next meeting, the motion laid on the table dies.
-This motion requires majority vote.
-If the motion to lay on the table passes, the chairperson will move on to the next item of business.
-If the motion to lay on the table fails, the chairperson will continue to ask for discussion on the motion.
Example: Member: "I move to lay on the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip."
-"Second"
-Chairperson: "It has been properly moved and seconded to lay on the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip."
-Motion passes or fails. If it passes then the chapter can go on to more pressing matters like a PAX form about an event for the next week.
Take from the Table
Purpose: To attend to pending business that has been previously laid on the table.
-A person wishing to take from the table will say, "I move to take from the table the motion to..."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is not debate.
-This is not amendable.
-This motion requires majority vote.
-If the motion to take from the table passes, the motion is discussed and voted on.
-If the motion to take from the table fails, the motion dies.
Example: "I move to take from the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip".
-"Second"
Chairperson: "It has been properly moved and seconded to take from the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip. All those in favor say "I". All those opposed say "No".
-Motion passes or fails.
-A person wishing to take from the table will say, "I move to take from the table the motion to..."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-This requires a second.
-There is not debate.
-This is not amendable.
-This motion requires majority vote.
-If the motion to take from the table passes, the motion is discussed and voted on.
-If the motion to take from the table fails, the motion dies.
Example: "I move to take from the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip".
-"Second"
Chairperson: "It has been properly moved and seconded to take from the table the motion to have a PAX summer camping trip. All those in favor say "I". All those opposed say "No".
-Motion passes or fails.
Point of Information
Purpose: When a member wants to request to find out more information about the pending motion.
-A person wishing to call for point of information will say, "Point of information."
-This can be interrupted.
-There is no second.
-There is no debate.
-This is not amendable.
-There is not vote on the motion because it is asking a question.
Example: Motion is being discussed about an upcoming social, but the person presenting the PAX form did not say what date it is going to be held.
Member: "Point of information."
Chairperson: "State your point."
Member: "What date is the social going to be?"
Maker of the motion: "April 15th"
Member: "Thank you."
-A person wishing to call for point of information will say, "Point of information."
-This can be interrupted.
-There is no second.
-There is no debate.
-This is not amendable.
-There is not vote on the motion because it is asking a question.
Example: Motion is being discussed about an upcoming social, but the person presenting the PAX form did not say what date it is going to be held.
Member: "Point of information."
Chairperson: "State your point."
Member: "What date is the social going to be?"
Maker of the motion: "April 15th"
Member: "Thank you."
Refer to a Committee
Purpose: When a pending motion needs to be carefully investigated or more information needs to be found out about it, it can be sent to a small group/committee.
-A person wishing to refer to a committee will say, "I move to refer this item of business to the _________ Committee."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-There is a second.
-There is debate.
-This is amendable.
-This requires a majority vote.
Two ways to appoint to a committee:
Standing Committee: Communications, External Expansion, Internal Growth, Invested Interests, Process, Scholastic, Traditions
Special Committee: appointed by the president, maker of the motion, or volunteers; it has to have three or more members
*It must be specified when the committee will meet back, otherwise it is implied the next meeting.
*The committee has the full power to act through this motion.
Example: Motion is being discussed to have a social, but more information needs to be found out.
Member: "I move to refer this item of business to the External Expansion Committee."
-"Second"
Chair: "It has been properly moved and seconded to refer this item of business to the External Expansion Committee. Discussion."
-Discussion follows.
-Motion passes or fails.
*If motion passes we would move on to the next item of business, and the committee would report back at the next meeting. If motion fails, we would continue to discuss and vote on the motion.
-A person wishing to refer to a committee will say, "I move to refer this item of business to the _________ Committee."
-This cannot be interrupted.
-There is a second.
-There is debate.
-This is amendable.
-This requires a majority vote.
Two ways to appoint to a committee:
Standing Committee: Communications, External Expansion, Internal Growth, Invested Interests, Process, Scholastic, Traditions
Special Committee: appointed by the president, maker of the motion, or volunteers; it has to have three or more members
*It must be specified when the committee will meet back, otherwise it is implied the next meeting.
*The committee has the full power to act through this motion.
Example: Motion is being discussed to have a social, but more information needs to be found out.
Member: "I move to refer this item of business to the External Expansion Committee."
-"Second"
Chair: "It has been properly moved and seconded to refer this item of business to the External Expansion Committee. Discussion."
-Discussion follows.
-Motion passes or fails.
*If motion passes we would move on to the next item of business, and the committee would report back at the next meeting. If motion fails, we would continue to discuss and vote on the motion.