TRANSITION: The Changing of the Guard
NEW PRESIDENT POINTERS
LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM GEESE
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
HOW TO RUN A MEETING
MEETING TIPS
RECORD-KEEPING PRACTICES
Generally speaking, any member (membership criteria should be in the organization's bylaws) attending a meeting may speak on any agenda item. Rules governing how often, how long, etc., someone may speak are often set to avoid lengthy, sometimes unproductive, discussions. However, speakers may request additional time, and the presiding officer may put the request for an extension of time to a vote.
To formally have an item voted on:
A member says "I move to . . .
Most motions require a second (someone who agrees with your motion or who simply wants to bring the item to a vote should simply say "second.")
Presiding officers may engage in debate on a topic but normally do not introduce motions or vote, except to break a tie. Presiding officers do have the right to vote in elections.
Once the motion is formally moved and seconded, the presiding officer restates the motion and asks if there are questions. At that time, members can ask questions or state concerns relating to the motion. After questions and concerns have been addressed -- amendments to the pending motion are allowed at this time -- the presiding officer again restates the motion to be sure everyone knows what is being voted on. The vote is taken, and the motion either passes or fails. Most motions only require a majority vote to pass. Other, more significant motions require a two-thirds vote to pass. When a majority vote is needed, a tie means the motion fails. When their vote will affect the result, presidents may choose to vote and thereby break or establish a tie. They may also choose to abstain.
To reduce conflicts during a meeting:
For a more comprehensive discussion of how meetings should be run and the rules that govern them, please refer to any book on parliamentary procedure. A common title is Robert's Rules of Order, available at most libraries or bookstores.
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