Parliamentary Procedure — An Overview

Parliamentary procedure is the set of rules a group adopts to guide how it conducts business. The Ward One Democrats use the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR) as our parliamentary authority, as required by our bylaws. These rules provide a clear, orderly framework for discussion, help members bring forward ideas, and ensure decisions reflect the will of the group.

For us, parliamentary procedure is not just a technical process—it is a core expression of our progressive values. Transparent rules, equal speaking rights, fair voting, and accountable leadership are essential to any organization that claims to be inclusive, democratic, and rooted in community empowerment. RONR protects minority viewpoints, prevents the silencing of dissent, and ensures that outcomes aren’t dictated by personalities, power, or inside influence, but by open deliberation and the majority’s informed judgment.

By using parliamentary procedure, we create consistent conditions for meaningful participation so that everyone knows:

• how to be recognized;

• how to make a motion;

• how to challenge a ruling; and,

• how decisions are reached.

This structure is what allows us to remain truly accessible and welcoming, especially to new members, marginalized voices, and those unfamiliar with political spaces. It is one of the most practical ways we live up to the ideals written into our bylaws: fairness, openness, accountability, and democratic inclusion.

Your Cheat Sheet: Words to Use

Parliamentary procedure is meant to make participation easier not harder. To help every member feel confident speaking, making motions, and raising procedural questions, we’ve created a simple cheat sheet showing the exact phrases used in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (12th ed.).

These phrases are the standard, widely understood ways to be recognized, offer a motion, second a motion, raise a point of order, ask a parliamentary inquiry, or request information. Using common language helps meetings run smoothly, ensures everyone is treated fairly, and keeps us rooted in transparent, inclusive decision-making.

Tap below to learn the basic phrases you can use at any Ward One Democrats meeting:

👉 Parliamentary Cheat Sheet: Words to Use

Robert’s Rules of Order — Introduction

Robert’s Rules of Order gives the Ward One Democrats a clear, consistent framework for conducting our business together. As required by our by-laws, we use the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised as our parliamentary authority. This structure helps us hold orderly, transparent meetings where members can bring forward ideas, debate them openly, and make decisions that reflect the will of the body while protecting minority voices.

There are four primary types of motions in Robert’s Rules of Order:

1. Main motions

2. Subsidiary motions

3. Privileged motions

4. Incidental motions

These tools allow us to move through business efficiently, improve proposals, address urgent matters, and resolve procedural questions. Robert’s Rules is widely used by nonprofits, civic groups, and political organizations because it ensures openness, fairness, and equal access to participation — values deeply rooted in our own bylaws and mission.

Robert’s Rules of Order — The Basics

Members rely on a few essential tools at nearly every meeting. Understanding these basics helps ensure everyone can participate with confidence.

• Motion – A member is recognized by the chair and proposes an action by saying, “I move that…”. Another member seconds the motion. After debate, the body votes. Unless our bylaws specify otherwise, a simple majority decides.

• Amend a motion – Members may refine or change a pending motion by saying, “I move to amend…”. Amendments must be seconded and voted on before the group returns to the main question.

• Commit (or Refer) – A member may move to send a matter to a committee for additional work. If adopted, the committee studies the question and reports back to the full membership.

• Previous Question (“Call the Question”) – To end debate and move directly to a vote, a member may say, “I move the previous question.” This motion requires a second and a two-thirds vote. If adopted, the body immediately votes on the pending question.

• Adjourn – To end the meeting, a member moves to adjourn. Another member seconds, and the body votes. If adopted, the meeting concludes.

Robert’s Rules of Order — The Six Categories of Motions

Robert’s Rules ensures that members discuss one item at a time and that every voice has a fair chance to be heard. To make a motion, a member must be recognized by the chair before speaking.

Robert’s Rules classifies motions into the following categories:

• Main motion: Introduces new business

• Subsidiary motion: Changes or affects how to handle a main motion

• Privileged motion: Addresses urgent matters unrelated to pending business

• Incidental motion: Addresses questions of procedure

• Motion to table: Sets aside the pending question temporarily

• Motion to postpone: Delays consideration to a future time

PRO TIP! You can read more about these motions here.

Steps the Chair Will Use to Process a Motion

1. Motion: A member rises or raises a hand to be recognized.

2. Second: Another member seconds the motion.

3. Restate: The chair restates the motion so everyone understands what is before the body.

4. Debate: Members debate the motion.

5. Vote: The chair calls for affirmative and then negative votes.

6. Announce: The chair announces the result and any actions that follow.

PRO TIP! If the room is clearly in agreement, the chair may use unanimous consent by stating, “Without objection, we will adopt…” If no objections are raised, the motion is adopted without a formal vote. If any member objects, the chair proceeds to debate and a vote.

Reconsidering or Changing a Decision

A member on the prevailing side of a vote may move to reconsider that decision during the same meeting. If the motion to reconsider is adopted, the original question returns to the floor as though no vote had occurred.

Example:

• To reconsider: “I move to reconsider the vote on the amendment regarding [subject].”

To change a decision made at a previous meeting, any member may move to rescind or amend something previously adopted.

Examples:

• To rescind a past decision: “I move to rescind the motion we adopted at the last meeting regarding [subject].”

• To amend something previously adopted: “I move to amend the motion adopted at our September meeting by striking [text] and inserting [new text].”

Points for Members to Utilize

Some situations require the chair’s immediate attention but do not require a motion, second, debate, or vote. Members may rise to:

• Point of Order: To note a breach of rules or improper procedure.

  • “Point of Order — we’re off topic.”

• Point of Information: To request factual information relevant to the pending business.

  • “Point of Information — how much would this cost?”

• Point of Inquiry: To ask a procedural question to help inform voting.

  • “Point of Inquiry — what exactly are we voting on right now?”

• Point of Personal Privilege: To address issues affecting comfort or rights (for example, noise, temperature, or misstatements).

  • “Point of Personal Privilege — could you please speak up? I’m having trouble hearing.”

PRO TIP! If you’re ever unsure about which motion to use, don’t worry — you don’t have to memorize everything in Robert’s Rules. The one tool every member should feel comfortable using is a Point of Inquiry. If you rise and say, “Point of Inquiry — I’m not sure what to do next,” the chair will explain the process and tell you exactly which motion and the exact wording to use. This keeps the meeting accessible to everyone, no matter your experience level.

Full Text of Robert’s Rules of Order

If you would like to review the full text of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (12th Edition), you may view a copy below or by clicking here.