Discussion without a motion on the floor

[Guest Al Weiss]

In a small group (e.g., a Home Owners Association) which attempts to operate under Robert's Rules, is it possible to have a discussion without a motion on the floor? For example, one Member might say, "We ought to do something about such-and-such." Then the group would discuss various possibilities before someone actually makes a motion. This generally happens under New Business. How should this be handled under RRO?

[Chris Harrison]

In a small group (e.g., a Home Owners Association) which attempts to operate under Robert's Rules, is it possible to have a discussion without a motion on the floor? For example, one Member might say, "We ought to do something about such-and-such." Then the group would discuss various possibilities before someone actually makes a motion. This generally happens under New Business. How should this be handled under RRO?

If the group is about a dozen members or less some of the rules in RONR can be relaxed (including allowing discussion to take place for the purposes of crystallizing what motion should be made) [RONR p. 1]. However, the Chair should be ready and willing to move the meeting back to a more structured format if it appears that the relaxed rules are hurting progress in conducting business.

[Josh Martin]

In a small group (e.g., a Home Owners Association) which attempts to operate under Robert's Rules, is it possible to have a discussion without a motion on the floor?

If by "small" you mean "about twelve members or fewer," sure. It's still possible in larger assemblies, although not by default.

For example, one Member might say, "We ought to do something about such-and-such." Then the group would discuss various possibilities before someone actually makes a motion. This generally happens under New Business. How should this be handled under RRO?

In a small assembly (about twelve members or fewer), just do it. In a larger assembly, the simplest method for an assembly which is still small-ish may be to just enter a Recess. Larger assemblies (50+) could use Committee of the Whole or Quasi-Committee of the Whole.

[Gary Novosielski]

In a larger assembly, the simplest method for an assembly which is still small-ish may be to just enter a Recess. Larger assemblies (50+) could use Committee of the Whole or Quasi-Committee of the Whole.

Wbat's What's wrong with a motion to Consider Informally?

[Josh Martin]

Wbat's wrong with a motion to Consider Informally?

Consider Informally just changes the number of times a member may speak on the main motion and its amendments. It does not permit the discussion of a subject when no motion is pending. After checking the relevant pages, I'm unclear as to whether Quasi-Committee of the Whole would permit that either.