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Motions
Mystification and confusion can surround the word “motion,” but the basics are very simple. A main motion is nothing more than a proposal to take action. Other types of motion help the group process the proposal to act (the main motion).
- Any member may propose a main motion.
- Any member may argue for or against a main motion.
- The majority of the group will decide whether a main motion is approved or not.
Example:
A member of a club wants the group to arrange a cruise on Dino Bay. She says, “I move that we arrange a cruise on Dino Bay this summer.”
Another member who is in favor of discussing the idea says, “I second the motion.”
The presider (person running the meeting) says, “It has been moved and seconded that we take a cruise on Dino Bay. Is there any discussion on this motion?”
The members then talk about the idea, suggest changes to it if they wish, and vote on the proposal. If a majority (more than half) of those voting are in favor, the motion passes, and the club has committed itself to arrange the cruise. If not, the motion fails, and no action will be taken.
Jurassic Parliament offers resources to explain in detail how motions operate.
- Online Course: Making Sense of Motions.
- Mastery Lesson: Making Sense of Motions (the handout for the online course)
- Motions: Rescind, Reconsider and Amend Something Previously Adopted
- Who May Raise a Point of Order at Council Meetings?
- How to Call the Question
Post your questions about motions to our blog, Robert’s Rules in Real Life.
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Making Sense of Motions
Take this course to familiarize yourself with motions and how they work. Interesting, interactive and engaging (yes, really!).
Motions: Rescind, Reconsider and Amend Something Previously Adopted
Learn what to do when your organization has made a bad decision, or wants to take back something decided earlier.
Who May Raise a Point of Order at Council Meetings?
Understand the mechanics of this motion, who may make it, how it should be made and when it should and should not be used.
How to Call the Question
Understand what the "call the question" motion is and how to use it appropriately.