Speaking at a meeting

[Guest Doug]

Can a non member speak at a members meeting?  Do I ask for a motion of the members?

[Joshua Katz]

A non-member may be invited to speak by the members, either by rule or by a one-time thing. The vote threshold changes based on whether the idea is to speak in debate or not. Yes, you would ask permission of the body, which can grant it by motion.

[Rob Elsman]

The spectator has no right to make a motion to request to speak, unless the assembly has adopted some kind of special rule of order.  Spectators ordinarily must refrain from any kind of disturbance during the meeting, and an invitation for a non-member to speak (whether to make a presentation or speak in debate on a pending motion) must be initiated by a member of the assembly.