roberts rules

[happyscooter]

i need an answer asap.

as pres of a non profit, i am the moderator for the meetings. i have been told that i cannot make a motion or second a motion. correct or incorrect?

[movingforward]

As far as I know this is correct - or at least this is how we do it.

[Sum Dum Gai]

I don't know if you can't. There might be exceptions that would allow you to under certain circumstances. Normally you wouldn't though.

[Deleted]

You can't make a motion? That seems odd to me, but I don't know. Does the moderator usually make a motion to start the meeting or end the meeting or things like that?

[Loopdilou]

Presidents should not make or second motions, but can suggest them. You also don't get to vote unless it's a tie.

[happyscooter]

kind of sucks that i am doing the work of the pres and i can't even bring something for a vote. the moderator calls the meeting to order. no motion needed to start. motion needed to adjourn

[Loopdilou]

You have to learn how to work with people to get them to make a motion

[movingforward]

Oct 2, 2012 16:25:19 GMT -5 Loopdilou said:

You have to learn how to work with people to get them to make a motion

You should be able to ask at the meeting if anyone would like to make a motion to accept XYZ. And then ask if there is a 2nd. You just can't personally make the motion.

[happyscooter]

i have tried to get people to make a motion. oh well, i'll keep plugging along.

[Loopdilou]

Presidents of non-profits are not dictators. Your job is delegation, coordination, and consensus building. If you can't get a motion made it probably means your board doesn't agree.

[chiver78]

hmm....our HOA board of trustees uses roberts rules. our moderator/secretary (for the purposes of taking minutes, not signing anything official) is the management company rep. the board president makes and seconds motions, as well as votes - we have five members. the moderator doesn't do any of these things.

I don't know if that helps you at all, though.

[Abby Normal]

Oct 2, 2012 16:07:14 GMT -5 happyscooter said:

i need an answer asap.

as pres of a non profit, i am the moderator for the meetings. i have been told that i cannot make a motion or second a motion. correct or incorrect?

What do your by-laws say?

Our the pres can not make, second or vote on motions. But they can state their opinion and direct the conversation as long as it's objective. They can also bring up new topics or ideas.

[Deleted]

By President, are you the Chair of a volunteer Board, or are you an employee?

[tcu2003]

We use Robert's Rules for boards and committees in my professional society. I'm a VP/Board chair, and I can't make a motion or vote except to break a tie. I can (and do), however, say "do I have a motion to do abc" and usually someone will say "so moved" and then I'll ask for/get a "second" from someone. If I'm calling for a motion, then I think we have enough people on board to pass it, as we have to vote after a motion is made/seconded - or I'm calling for a motion/second so we can defeat something.

[tcu2003]

Oh yeah, do you know anyone well enough you can ask to make the motion for you, or at least to say "so moved" when you prompt them for a motion? That also works...

[Bluerobin]

Break down and get a copy of Robert's Rules. It is a relatively cheap book. As president of any organization, you should have a copy and should have read it.
You can get around the rule, by stating that "Now, we will entertain a motion for......"

[Regis]

www.robertsrules.org/rulesintro.htm#Presented

[happyscooter]

not a dictator. 100% non-profit, 100% volunteer. i have asked a few of my 'supporters' to make a motion so we can vote. but some won't make the motion or second.

yes, i read roberts rule but i could not get a clear defined answer.

[Regis]

As the past president of a state professional society, I believe the "pre-meeting" is just as important as the meeting itself. That's where I lined up all my motion makers and seconders.

[Deleted]

Oct 3, 2012 13:48:02 GMT -5 happyscooter said:

not a dictator. 100% non-profit, 100% volunteer. i have asked a few of my 'supporters' to make a motion so we can vote. but some won't make the motion or second.

yes, i read roberts rule but i could not get a clear defined answer.

You can say "is there a motion to XYZ?"
If you get a motion and a second, then you vote.
If you don't get a motion or a second then the issue fails for lack of a motion. The minutes say XYZ was discussed, but no motion was made.

By not deciding, they are still deciding.

[Sum Dum Gai]

i have asked a few of my 'supporters' to make a motion so we can vote. but some won't make the motion or second.

Sounds like your supporters aren't really supporters. Or you haven't been clear enough with them on what you want to happen, and why you need them to motion for you.

[Deleted]

If you can't get someone to even move the motion your chances of getting it passed are non exsistant.