NOW National Conference 2001
Parliamentary Procedure
What is Parliamentary Procedure?
Parliamentary Procedure can sometimes appear intimidating and confusing.
However, what Parliamentary Procedure sets up is a specific set of rules
for the easy and orderly conduct of meetings. It allows every person within
the organization to be heard which helps members to make decisions.
In short, this time-tested method of conducting business is a way to insure
democratic rule, protection of rights, flexibility, and a fair hearing
for everyone.
Helpful Questions and Answers
1. What's a point of information?
A point of information is a question, not an answer, directed to
the chair. If you need some information in order to decide how to
vote on a motion, you request the information by asking a point of information.
Since red cards are used for points of information, they are called on
ahead of green (debate, main motions) or yellow (amend, call the question,
etc.) cards. Points of information should, therefore, not be used
as a disguised form of debate because it's unfair to members who are waiting
to speak using green or yellow cards. An example of debate disguised
as a point of information is a question that begins with "Is it not true
that...?"
2. What's a point of personal
privilege?
Points of personal privilege have to do with the person's rights as an
individual. For example, if you are having trouble breathing because
the ventilation system in the room isn't working properly, it's appropriate
to bring that to the attention of the chair using a point of personal privilege.
Another kind of personal privilege is when someone has described your
position on an issue (by naming you specifically) and has misstated your
viewpoint. If this happens, it's appropriate to correct it using
a point of personal privilege. If, however, a speaker in debate says
something about a general group, like NOW members, it's not appropriate
in that case to respond using a point of personal privilege. To do
so (using a red card) would place you unfairly at the head of the line
for debate. The proper way to respond in that situation would be
by using a green card for debate.
3. What's a point of order?
A point of order is used to call a violation of the rules to the attention
of the chair and the conference. For example, if the adopted rules
say that the aisles and the microphone lines shall be cleared during a
vote, it's appropriate to use a point of order if this procedure isn't
being followed.
Similarly, if Robert's Rules
of Order, Newly Revised (our parliamentary authority) says that
a particular kind of motion is not debatable, it's appropriate to use a
point of order if the conference is in fact debating such a motion.
4. What's a point of parliamentary
inquiry?
A point of parliamentary inquiry is used to ask the chair how to go about
doing something properly using our parliamentary procedure.
For example, if you want the conference to vote separately on two parts
of a motion so that one portion could pass and one portion could fail,
but you don't know how to do that, it's appropriate to use a point of parliamentary
inquiry to ask the chair how to do so. (The chair will advise you
to use a green card to request a "division of the question" and that it
requires a second, is not debatable, but is amendable.)
5. Who answers these points
of order, information, etc.?
The chair rules on whether a point is being properly used. For example,
if a member is using a point of information to debate rather than request
information, the chair will rule that the member is out of order.
(Rulings of the chair can be appealed; appeals require a second and
are debatable).
The chair responds to all points of order and points of parliamentary
inquiry. Parliamentarians do not make rulings. They advise
the chair who makes all rulings. The chair responds to the points
of information for which s/he knows the answers. When it is appropriate,
the chair will ask that maker of the motion to provide the information
requested.
Points of personal privilege generally do not require a specific
"response." If it is a question of the ventilation system, for example,
the chair will ask someone to attend to the problem. If it is a question
of an individual's view being misstated in debate, the person raising the
point of privilege is given the opportunity to correct the misstatement.
6. What does Robert's Rules
of Order say about "Decorum in Debate?"
Robert's Rules of Order are designed to promote debate in a smooth and
orderly manner. They specifically provide that "when a question is
pending, a member can condemn the nature or likely consequences of the
proposed measure in strong terms, but [s/he] must avoid personalities
and under no circumstances can [s/he] attack or question the motives of
another member. The measure, not the member, is the subject of debate."Robert's
further provides that the chair normally should first warn the member who
isn't abiding by these rules, but with or without such warning, the chair
or any other member can "call the member to order."
Sometimes it's hard to believe, but when used properly and in good faith,
red card points can actually improve the flow of the proceedings instead
of bringing them to a grinding halt. May the process be with you.
Information provided by former NOW
Bylaws/Rules Chair Judith Knee
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