Robert’s Rules For Dummies

Using Robert’s Rules makes your meetings run smoothly and helps make sure that you address all the necessary topics. The rules aren’t that complicated, but it does help to know the basic standard order of business, and how to make and handle motions according to the Rules. Because there are several levels of protocol, a motion chart is a handy thing to have at hand, especially if you’re the one presiding.

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A Motion Chart for Robert’s Rules

When you’re using Robert’s Rules to help your meeting run well, the following chart can come in very handy when you’re in the thick of debate on a main motion. It’s designed to help you choose the right motion for the right reason. (In the chart, the subsidiary and privileged motions are listed in descending order of precedence; that is, motions lower on the list can’t be made if anything higher is pending.)

Consult a book on Robert’s Rules for clarification on the exceptions.

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Making and Handling Motions According to Robert’s Rules

When that light bulb goes off in your head and you have a great idea, you make a motion according to Robert’s Rules to get your idea discussed and a decision made. Following are the eight steps required from start to finish to make a motion and get the group to decide whether it agrees. Each step is a required part of the process.

Step	What to Say
1. The member rises and addresses the chair.	“Madam Chairman. . . .”
2. The chair recognizes the member.	“The chair recognizes Ms. Gliggenschlapp.”
3. The member makes a motion.	“I move to purchase a copy of Robert’s Rules For Dummies for our president.”
4. Another member seconds the motion.	“Second.”
5. The chair states the motion.	“It is moved and seconded to purchase a copy of Robert’s Rules For Dummies for your president. Are you ready for the question?”
6. The members debate the motion.	“The chair recognizes Ms. Gliggenschlapp to speak to her motion. . . .”
7. The chair puts the question and the members vote.	“All those in favor of adopting the motion to buy a copy of Robert’s Rules For Dummies for your president will say ‘aye,’ [pause] those opposed will say ‘no’.”
8. The chair announces the result of the vote.	“The ayes have it and the motion carries, and a copy of Robert’s Rules For Dummies will be purchased for your president.”

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Standard Order of Business According to Robert’s Rules

An easy way to remember Robert’s Rules’ standard order of business is with the mnemonic 3R-SUN — which you can see in the following list. This list is a quick reference to make it easy for you to set up a basic agenda for your meeting quickly and without much fuss.

1. Reading and Approval of the Minutes

   
   



2. Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees

   
   



3. Reports of Special (Select or Ad Hoc) Committees

   
   



4. Special Orders

   
   



5. Unfinished Business and General Orders

   
   



6. New Business

   
   

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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/roberts-rules-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html