TEXTING to make motions in between meetings

[HARLEEN]

Are there any rules regarding the use of text messages as a means of making motions?  This is something new to our group and honestly, we are clueless as to the legality of it.

 

Thanks!

[Dan Honemann]

15 minutes ago, HARLEEN said:

Are there any rules regarding the use of text messages as a means of making motions?  This is something new to our group and honestly, we are clueless as to the legality of it.

 

Thanks!

"It is a fundamental principle of parliamentary law that the right to vote is limited to the members of an organization who are actually present at the time the vote is taken in a regular or properly called meeting, although it should be noted that a member need not be present when the question is put. Exceptions to this rule must be expressly stated in the bylaws. Such possible exceptions include: (a) voting by postal mail, e-mail, or fax, and (b) proxy voting."  (RONR, 11th ed., p. 423)

"Except as authorized in the bylaws, the business of an organization or board can be validly transacted only at a regular or properly called meeting—that is, as defined on pages 81–82, a single official gathering in one room or area—of the assembly of its members at which a quorum is present."  (RONR, 11th ed., p. 97) 

Edited February 24, 2018 at 02:22 PM by Daniel H. Honemann
Added the last paragraph.

[jstackpo]

'Course there is no problem, far as RONR is concerned, with folks communicating with each other by any means -- carrier pigeon comes to mind -- and collectively working up drafts of motions to be offered at a meeting.  But the only proper way to adopt those motions is at association business meetings, barring bylaws allowing something else, as Dan quoted from the book.

[Guest Who's Coming to Dinner]

So the short answer is yes, there is a rule, and no, you can't make motions by SMS. Someone has to make the motion at a meeting. As to matters of legality, ask a lawyer.

[Gary Novosielski]

4 hours ago, HARLEEN said:

Are there any rules regarding the use of text messages as a means of making motions?  This is something new to our group and honestly, we are clueless as to the legality of it.

 

Thanks!

If the rules in RONR apply, there is no such thing as making motions between meetings, by text or other means.