Approve versus Ratify

[VBenz]

From a good governance perspective, could someone please explain the difference between these two terms, and when to use each?  Many thanks.

[Josh Martin]

On 7/14/2022 at 7:06 PM, VBenz said:

From a good governance perspective, could someone please explain the difference between these two terms, and when to use each?  Many thanks.

"Approve" is primarily used when referring to the approval of the minutes. It can also be used as an alternative term for "ratify."

"Ratify" has a very specific meaning and refers to a situation in which the assembly "is used to confirm or make valid an action already taken that cannot become valid until approved by the assembly."

"The motion to ratify (also called approve or confirm) is an incidental main motion that is used to confirm or make valid an action already taken that cannot become valid until approved by the assembly. Cases where the procedure of ratification is applicable include:

• action improperly taken at a regular or properly called meeting at which no quorum was present (40:6–10);

• action taken at a special meeting with regard to business not mentioned in the call of that meeting (9:15–16);

• action taken by officers, committees, delegates, subordinate bodies, or staff in excess of their instructions or authority—including action to carry out decisions made without a valid meeting, such as by approval obtained separately from all board members (49:16) or at an electronic meeting (9:30–36) of a body for which such meetings are not authorized;

• action taken by a local unit that requires approval of the state or national organization; or

• action taken by a state or national society subject to approval by its constituent units." RONR (12th ed.) 10:54

Most of the time, you want neither of these - the word you generally want is adopt.

[Richard Brown]

On 7/15/2022 at 12:42 PM, Josh Martin said:

Most of the time, you want neither of these - the word you generally want is adopt.

 That may or may not be – I haven’t given it much thought – but you do not want to adopt minutes. As Mr. Martin stated above, you approve the minutes per the language in RONR.

[VBenz]

Thank you; very helpful!