Free Permit Cheat Sheet: A Quick Guide to Parliamentary Procedure

As a board member or meeting facilitator, it's essential to have a solid understanding of parliamentary procedure to ensure smooth and efficient meetings. This cheat sheet provides an overview of the key points you need to know.

Understanding Points of Something

In a meeting, there are four types of points that can be raised:

* Point of Personal Privilege: A member may use this point to address physical comfort issues such as temperature or noise.

* Point of Inquiry: A member may ask for clarification on a report to make better voting decisions.

* Point of Information: A member may bring up additional information to provide fully informed votes.

* Point of Order: This is used to draw attention to a breach of rules, improper procedure, or breaching of established practices.

Requesting Points

In certain situations, members need to request points without requiring a motion, second, debate, or voting. If an objection is raised, the chairperson should first ask for debate, then vote, and finally announce the vote.

TIP!

If the board is in obvious agreement, the chairperson can save time by stating, 'If there is no objection, we will adopt the motion to...' followed by any instructions. Wait for objections before proceeding.

Announcing the Vote

The chairperson announces the result of the vote and any instructions.

Motions

There are several types of motions that can be made during a meeting:

* Motion: A member rises or raises a hand to signal the chairperson.

* Second: Another member seconds the motion.

* Reconsider: Reopens debate on a main motion.

* Postpone: Delays a vote (can reopen debate on the main motion).

* Incidental Motion: Questions procedure of other motions (must consider before the other motion).

* Privileged Motion: Urgent or important matter unrelated to pending business.

* Subsidiary Motion: Changes or affects how to handle a main motion (vote on this before the main motion).

Robert's Rules Basics

The Robert's Rules Association published brief versions of the book in 2020, making it easier for meeting facilitators with little experience to keep a cheat sheet at their fingertips. The newest versions have about 700 pages, which can be overwhelming during a meeting.

In conclusion, this free permit cheat sheet provides an overview of the key points you need to know about parliamentary procedure. By having a solid understanding of these rules, you'll be better equipped to facilitate smooth and efficient meetings.

Free permit cheat sheet