How are Motions Presented by a Member?
1. Obtaining the floor
a. Wait until the last speaker has finished.
b. Rise and address the Chairman by saying, "Mr./Madam Chair, or Mr./Madam President."
c. Wait until the Chair recognizes you.
2. Make Your Motion
a. Speak in a clear and concise manner.
b. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, "I move that we do not ..."
c. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject.
3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion (if applicable)
4. Another member will second your motion or the Chair will call for a second.
5. If there is no second to your motion it is lost.
6. The Chair States Your Motion
a. The Chair will say, "it has been moved and seconded that we ..." Thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration and action.
b. The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote.
c. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chair it becomes "assembly property", and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members.
7. Expanding on Your Motion
a. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than at the time you present it.
b. The mover is always allowed to speak first.
c. All comments and debate must be directed to the chair.
d. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established.
e. The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called upon by the Chair.
8. Putting the Question to the Membership
a. The Chairman asks, "Are you ready for the question?"
b. If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
c. On a motion to move the previous question may be adapted.