Roberts Rules Of Order And Motions

by Don Hite

Here are the basic steps by which a motion is brought before the church in new business, according to Roberts Rules and Order and Motions:

1. A member makes a motion. - To make a motion a member must rise, address the moderator and be recognized and then state the motion.

2. Another member seconds the motion. - The purpose of a second is to assure that more than one member wants to deal with a particular issue. It is not necessary for a member to obtain the floor to second a motion.

3. The moderator repeats the motion to the members and states the question on the motion. – The purpose of this is so that the motion or suggestion is understood by all before the floor is open for debate.

4. The members consider or debate the motion if it is debatable. - To be recognized a member must rise, address the moderator and be recognized and then speak.

5. The moderator puts the question to the members for a vote in the form of a question.

6. The moderator then announces the result of the vote.