Guest W. Watson Posted March 25, 2017 at 02:04 AM Report Share Posted March 25, 2017 at 02:04 AM Our Vice President is apparently frustrated with some of our assembly rules. He has indicated that at the next meeting he will tell the assembly in his address that they need to abolish the organization’s bylaws and their rules of order (RONR). I intend to raise a point of order if he does. First of all, I read the home page of the state corporation commission for the state that granted our organization its charter. From my reading, it appears that adopting a set of bylaws was required for my organization to be incorporated in the state. Secondly, isn’t it true that since these documents (bylaws and rules of order) were approved by the assembly in its past action, that the VP cannot speak about them adversely unless he is prepared to place a motion on the floor to rescind them. I think it wise to seek an expert opinion before I raise such a point of order. Thank you very much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zev Posted March 25, 2017 at 04:38 AM Report Share Posted March 25, 2017 at 04:38 AM Here is what the book has to say on this subject (RONR, page 393): Quote REFRAINING FROM SPEAKING ADVERSELY ON A PRIOR ACTION NOT PENDING. In debate, a member cannot reflect adversely on any prior act of the society that is not then pending, unless a motion to reconsider, rescind, or amend it is pending, or unless he intends to conclude his remarks by making or giving notice of one of these motions. When the VP begins his speech I would make a Request For Information, requesting that the presiding officer inquire if the speaker is prepared to conclude his remarks with a motion or not. If the answer is yes, then nothing further need be done. I would have the opportunity to counter his arguments in debate. If the answer is no, then I would probably Raise a Point Of Order requesting that the presiding officer suppress his speech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim Goldsworthy Posted March 25, 2017 at 09:34 AM Report Share Posted March 25, 2017 at 09:34 AM 7 hours ago, Guest W. Watson said: Our Vice President is apparently frustrated with some of our assembly rules. He has indicated that at the next meeting he will tell the assembly in his address that they need to abolish the organization’s bylaws and their rules of order (RONR). Q. What is an "address"? Is this some kind of speech? Is it some kind of committee report or officer report? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Harrison Posted March 25, 2017 at 10:31 AM Report Share Posted March 25, 2017 at 10:31 AM Also, if his intent is to move to amend the bylaws make sure any notice requirements are being followed (check the section in the bylaws regarding their amendment for those details). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Martin Posted March 27, 2017 at 01:53 PM Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 at 01:53 PM On 3/24/2017 at 9:04 PM, Guest W. Watson said: Our Vice President is apparently frustrated with some of our assembly rules. He has indicated that at the next meeting he will tell the assembly in his address that they need to abolish the organization’s bylaws and their rules of order (RONR). I intend to raise a point of order if he does. First of all, I read the home page of the state corporation commission for the state that granted our organization its charter. From my reading, it appears that adopting a set of bylaws was required for my organization to be incorporated in the state. Secondly, isn’t it true that since these documents (bylaws and rules of order) were approved by the assembly in its past action, that the VP cannot speak about them adversely unless he is prepared to place a motion on the floor to rescind them. I think it wise to seek an expert opinion before I raise such a point of order. Thank you very much! Yes, I think this is correct. Additionally, rescinding the bylaws would have the effect of dissolving the organization. If the VP is dissatisfied with the contents of the bylaws, what would make more sense is for the Vice President to propose a general revision of the bylaws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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