DSA working groups, committees, and legislative bodies across the United States use Robert’s Rules of Order to conduct their discussions, debates, and votes.
Here are the most important actions you’ll take, and how to introduce them.
1. To seek recognition from the chair
Raise your voting card, Zoom hand, or other signal.
2. To make a motion
I move that CDSA have a bake sale at 6pm.
3. Propose an amendment
I move to amend the motion by…
4. Limit or extend debate
I move to limit debate to 2 minutes per speaker.
5. End debate
I move the previous question.
6. Enforce rules that have been broken
Point of Order! Wag finger and scoff.
7. Question on procedure, not debate
I have a parliamentary inquiry.
8. Request more information, not debate
I have a request for information.
9. Concerns regarding comfort or conduct, not debate
Question of Privilege!
10. Appeal the chair
I appeal from the decision of the chair.
11. Suspend the rules
I move to suspend the rules to…
12. Postpone
I move to postpone the motion until…
13. To get back on the agenda if off-schedule
I call for the orders of the day…
14. Adjourn
I move to adjourn. Let’s go drink!