MEETING PROCEDURES

These rules may be relaxed if the meeting accomplishes its purpose and the
rights of everyone are protected.

A. Role of the Presiding Officer

   1. Use the rules of parliamentary procedure so that order is maintained and
      the meeting goes forward.
  
   2. Be ready to call the meeting to order at the appointed time.
  
   3. Prepare an agenda before or at the beginning of the meeting.  Follow the
      agenda so that it is clear what is happening during the course of the
      meeting.
  
   4. Deal firmly with distracting or delaying behaviors and debates.
  
   5. See that the debate is confined to the merits of the question and that
      personal comments are avoided.  No one should speak more than twice on a
      subject, and no one should speak a second time until everyone has had a
      chance to speak.
  
   6. Talk no more than necessary.  Except in small groups, do not enter the
      debate without giving up the chair to someone else until the motion under
      debate has been voted on.
  
   7. Make sure that participants understand what is being voted on.
  
   8. Remain calm and deal fairly with all sides.  To preserve impartiality,
      abstain from voting except by ballot or to cast the deciding vote.
  
B. Order of Business

   1. Before starting, the presiding officer must determine there is a quorum.
  
   2. The presiding officer will call the meeting to order.
  
   3. The agenda is approved with additions and deletions.
  
   4. The minutes can be read and corrections are requested.  The presiding
      officer says:  "If there are no corrections, the minutes stand approved."
  
   5. The agenda is followed.
  
   6. Announcements are made.
  
   7. Adjourn the meeting.

C. Types of Motions

   1. Main (debatable; majority vote)

      Used to introduce a subject.  Once seconded, nothing else should be taken
      up until it is disposed of.  It cannot be withdrawn without the consent
      of the majority.
  
   2. Amend (debatable; majority vote)

      Used when the intention is to change the wording of a main motion.  If
      seconded, a vote is taken on the amendment, followed by a vote on the
      main motion.
   
   3. Refer (debatable; majority vote)

      If a motion becomes too complicated or if more information is needed, a
      motion may be made to refer it to a committee for study or redrafting.

   4. Table (not debatable; majority vote)

      "I move that the motion be tabled."  If seconded and approved, this
      postpones consideration of a motion; it can be taken up again if the
      majority decides to "take it from the table".

   5. Call (not debatable; two-thirds vote)

      "I call the question."  Used to end debate that has become too lengthy.
      If seconded, the presiding officer immediately conducts a vote, ending
      the debate.  If two-thirds agree, the main motion is immediately voted
      on.

   6. Reconsider (debatable; majority vote)

      Recalls a previous motion by someone who voted on the prevailing side.
      Motions can be reconsidered only once, and only within a day of the
      original vote.  If seconded, a vote is taken on whether to reconsider,
      then, if necessary, on the original motion.

   7. Amend after adoption (debatable; two-thirds vote, or majority vote with
      previous notice)

      Used to change or repeal an adopted motion when it is too late to move to
      reconsider.

   8. Point of Order (debatable; majority vote)

      Any member who feels the rules are not being followed can object:  "Point
      of Order."   Upon hearing the objection, the chair can agree or not.  One
      dissatisfied with the ruling can appeal to the group:  "Shall the
      decision of the chair be sustained?"  A majority of "no" votes reverses
      the chair.

   9. Questions and Inquiries

      Whenever necessary, advice may be asked as to procedures, facts, etc.
      The presiding officer responds or refers it to the proper person.

D. Vote Taking Methods

   1. Show of Hands

      A good choice for small groups.

   2. Voice Vote

      This is usually convenient, but should not be used where more than a
      majority is needed.

   3. Consent

      A formal vote can be avoided on routine matters where there is no
      opposition.  The presiding officer can say:  "If there is no opposition,
      the motion carries."

   4. Secret Ballot

      A motion for a secret, written vote can be made; it is not debatable,
      but, if seconded, requires a majority vote.