Guest La Andrew Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:16 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:16 AM In our professional association’s biennial membership meeting, members may submit motions ahead of time. We have motions submitted that have multiple members’ names as making the motion or sometimes as seconding the motion. These are not recognized committees making a motion, rather individuals who worked together to develop the motion. Must we restrict submissions to only one name for maker and one name for a second? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zev Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:29 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:29 AM I think the answer is going to depend on what the bylaws actually say about the requirements on individuals submitting motions. Otherwise as far as these rules are concerned a mover and a seconder is enough but not limited to just these two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest La Andrew Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:38 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 05:38 AM The bylaws do not spell out any details for motion submission, they refer back to RONR. (They do list a timeline for motions amending Bylaws, but no other detail.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zev Posted May 31, 2019 at 06:05 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 06:05 AM And what has been the procedure in years past, have motions been submitted in writing with mover/seconder names attached? If so, have they been stated by the chair during the meeting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atul Kapur Posted May 31, 2019 at 11:40 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 11:40 AM I've seen this done quite often, usually done to indicate widespread support for the motion and reflecting consultations that were done before the actual meeting. I have not found any rule in RONR to prohibit it, so if that has become the custom in your organization you're free to continue it. If it is becoming a custom, I see no harm, but others here may. RONR does say however, that the minutes should only include the name of the mover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. J. Posted May 31, 2019 at 01:43 PM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 01:43 PM The one problem could be some confusion over who could withdraw a motion. I'd really suggest a special rule establishing a "mover" and a "co-mover," or something similar. It would be more as a method of formalizing the process than for anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Elsman Posted May 31, 2019 at 03:01 PM Report Share Posted May 31, 2019 at 03:01 PM It is just common sense, I think, that one member makes a motion. Even in the case of the recommendations of a committee, one reporting member makes the motion on behalf of the committee. The seconding of motions by multiple members is superfluous, but not improper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Novosielski Posted June 1, 2019 at 06:28 AM Report Share Posted June 1, 2019 at 06:28 AM On 5/31/2019 at 1:38 AM, Guest La Andrew said: The bylaws do not spell out any details for motion submission, they refer back to RONR. (They do list a timeline for motions amending Bylaws, but no other detail.) If the rules in RONR apply, motions are moved during a meeting, by one member, even if submitted in writing. If you have no rule in your bylaws allowing motions to be submitted by multiple members, and/or before a meeting begins, these practices would have the status of custom. RONR says: Quote If there is no contrary provision in the parliamentary authority or written rules of the organization, the established custom should be adhered to unless the assembly, by a majority vote, agrees in a particular instance to do otherwise. However, if a customary practice is or becomes in conflict with the parliamentary authority or any written rule, and a Point of Order ([§] 23) citing the conflict is raised at any time, the custom falls to the ground, and the conflicting provision in the parliamentary authority or written rule must thereafter be complied with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest La Andrew Posted June 1, 2019 at 06:42 AM Report Share Posted June 1, 2019 at 06:42 AM Thank you, all. It has been a custom in our organization, but there was a question raised if it was improper or disallowed. I’ll take this information back those preparing for the business meeting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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