shaneweaver

Thank you for everyone's contributions! Many of the points raised in this thread have been included in a lengthy write-up that explains many of these concepts in simple terms so every member of the assembly will have a better understanding of the duties and privileges of the chairman as well as their privileges in situations such as debate. This will be an ongoing project of mine that will be updated over time as more complicated situations arise. My hope to ensure order is maintained and the members of the assembly are aware of how decisions are made by the chair and how the rules will be enforced. I'm exponentially grateful for the existence of this forum and I look forward to discussing more about Robert's Rules and updates with our assembly. Thank You: Rob Elsman Josh Martin Atul Kapur Gary Novosielski Shmuel Gerber

Looking for clarification managing a deliberative assembly that requires a parliamentarian but currently cannot fill the position. In particular, we are in need of defining what constitutes 'debate'. When a main motion is on the floor, what kind of remarks are considered 'debate'? Is any member seeking the floor in regards to anything that is not a higher order motion 'debate'? Robert's Rules online (Art. VII. Debate. 42 Debate) states that in regards to an amendment, asking a question or making a suggestion does not constitute speaking, however, it offers no clarification on main motions. Further, in a deliberative assembly that has a formalized position for a parliamentarian but currently does not have the position filled, who is to be the interim parliamentarian? Is the Chair to assume the position or are they to assign a member of the assembly to temporarily assume that position? If a member of the assembly acts as interim parliamentarian, do they maintain voting and motioning privileges? Lastly, is the Chair within their right to expel or silence non-members of the assembly when the meeting is open to the public? Does that right extend if the Chair is seeking to expel non-members if those individuals are members of the organization as a whole but not of the assembly? E.g. President of the organization who is not a member of the assembly nor has voting, motioning, or speaking rights within the assembly. Robert's Rules of Order (12th) 9:29, 61:6-8, 61:19-20 have offered some help in regards to this. Please take into consideration that members of the assembly are not well versed in parliamentary procedure as this is a student run organization. The most well versed individuals are the current Chair and Vice-Chair.