Discussion

[Guest Lynda Stuart]

Does a motion have to be made and seconded before discussion can be held on an item on the agenda.

Or can discussion be held then a motion be made on the issue.

[Tim Wynn]

Does a motion have to be made and seconded before discussion can be held on an item on the agenda.

Or can discussion be held then a motion be made on the issue.

The motion should be made first, so that members know what they are discussing and so that the chair will have a clear parameter of what will be germane in debate. This way, the chair can keep the discussion on track.

[Steven Britton]

The motion should be made first, so that members know what they are discussing and so that the chair will have a clear parameter of what will be germane in debate. This way, the chair can keep the discussion on track.

Except under small board or small assembly rules the following may apply:

"Informal discussion of a subject is permitted while no motion is pending." p. 488, 7 - 8.

[Trina]

The way this is handled under the rules in RONR is that a motion is made (to start the ball rolling, so to speak), and debate (discussion) follows.

Now, in small boards (about a dozen members or less) RONR does say that the rules are relaxed, allowing among other things:

'Informal discussion of a subject is permitted while no motion is pending.' (RONR 11th ed. p. 488 ll. 7-8)

Note that, in a group small enough to follow the relaxed rules, there is no need for a motion to be seconded (p. 488 l. 1).

Beyond what it says in the rules, if your assembly is in the habit of chatting first, and then framing a motion, there is nothing dreadfully wrong with that -- so long as everyone is clear on what is happening, and so long as the group manages to conduct its business with some efficiency. However, as stated, the official procedure is different, and stating a motion first tends to make more efficient use of the members' time, especially in larger assemblies (it avoids a lot of idle conversation).

[Rev Ed]

Some organizations find it easier to have the Chairman simply state something like this: "The next item on the Agenda is the issue of bilding a new clubhouse." Once discussion has ended, the Chairman could assume the motion or ask for a motion to approve the new clubhouse.

[Tim Wynn]

Some organizations find it easier to have the Chairman simply state something like this: "The next item on the Agenda is the issue of bilding a new clubhouse." Once discussion has ended, the Chairman could assume the motion or ask for a motion to approve the new clubhouse.

Other organizations find it better to follow RONR.

[Josh Martin]

Some organizations find it easier to have the Chairman simply state something like this: "The next item on the Agenda is the issue of bilding a new clubhouse." Once discussion has ended, the Chairman could assume the motion or ask for a motion to approve the new clubhouse.

It is generally unwise to have discussion precede the motion (unless, as noted, this is a committee or small board).