(ACA)
(Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th Edition: Condensed Version by Lee R. Fields – simplified for this Association)
Rules of Order: The term rules of order refer to written rules of parliamentary procedure formally adopted by the ACA on February 16, 2008,
When an assembly wishes to do something during a meeting that it cannot do without violating one or more its regular rules, it can adopt a motion to Suspend the Rules interfering with the proposed action—provided that the proposal is not in conflict with the association’s Constitution and Bylaws, or with local, state, or national law prescribing procedural rules applicable to the assembly, or with a fundamental principle of parliamentary law.
In contrast to by-laws, rules of order derive their proper substance largely from the general nature of the parliamentary process rather than from the circumstances of The Association. Consequently, that is the reason why minimal rules are necessary.
Standing Rules are different in that they relate to the details of administration rather than to parliamentary procedure, and, can be adopted of changed upon the same conditions as any ordinary procedural guide. Examples would be a Desk Procedure for answering correspondence or inquiries, completing forms, executing documents, receipt and accountability of voluntary contributions, and disbursements.
Robert's Rules of Order Will Prevail to the Extent of Orderliness, but Not to the Extent of Losing Our Sense of Harmoniousness. Notwithstanding, should a meeting go askew, a regular/corporate member may call for a “Point of Order” (see NOTE below).
The chair MUST ensure that a quorum exit at each and every meeting. Only regular and corporate members in good standing may vote, therefore these members must be ascertained, and only they be allowed to vote.
Lf-08
1. Make a Motion - Requires a Second or it dies.
2. Open for Discussion - exactly that.
3. Make a Motion for an Amendment to the topic. Requires a Second - or the Amendment dies)
4. Closed for Discussion (Chair - when it is obvious that we have nothing else to discuss concerning the topic.)
5. Make a Motion that the topic be brought to a vote (For or Against). Requires a Second or it dies.
6. Make a Motion that the topic be tabled. Requires a Second.
7. Make a Motion - Call for a Vote. Requires a Second.
NOTE: When a motion is made and second to call for a vote, there can be no further discussion.
8. Carried - means that the topic was approved.
9. Not Carried - means that the topic was not approved.
10. Voting - (Roberts Rules) - 2/3 of those members in good standing present constitute a majority. It is irrelevant who voted what. Only concern is the actual number:
- All those in favor, raise you hand
- All those against, raise you hand
- Abstentions, raise your hand
Abstentions are neutral, neither for nor against. If a topic is not carried and resurfaces later, it will be New Business.
NOTE: Point of Order – When a member thinks that the rules of the assembly are being violated, he/she can make a Point of Order thereby calling upon the chair for a ruling and an enforcement of the regular rules, but it must be raised promptly at the time the breach occurs. Takes precedence over any pending question out of which it may arise. The presiding chair may wish to consult the parliamentarian before ruling, and may allow the assembly to stand at ease while he/she does so. (See Chapter VIII, INCIDENTAL MOTIONS, Robert’s Rules of Order, primarily pages 240 through 252 (which include appeals).
