[committee] A brief(ish) note on Robert's Rules of Order

[Tom Almeida]

Dear all,

As per section 18.9 of the UCC constitution, general meetings are conducted
in accordance to the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order. We've
generally not been good with keeping with this section of the constitution
for the last few general meetings, however for the coming general meeting
on Thursday, I believe that following Robert's Rules of Order will allow
for the greatest and most productive debate.

"Now what are Robert's Rules of Order?", I hear you ask. Well, that's what
this email is for.

   - In general, no talking unless you are yielded the floor by the chair.
   - When you are talking, you must address the chair, not people in the
   room.
      - That means if you are responding to the person that was talking
      immediately before you, you must say "the person talking before
me stated",
      while talking to the chair, as opposed to talking to the person that was
      previously talking.
   - You cannot make attacks on character. e.g. you can say "The previous
   speaker was incorrect..." and not "The previous speaker was lying...".
   - If you want to talk, you indicate to the chair that you wish to talk
   *after* the person that is currently speaking finishes speaking.
   - Don't attempt to signal to the chair while someone else is talking
   - Just because you are the first person to indicate that you wish to
   talk, it doesn't mean that you will be called on to talk. In general, the
   chair should/will attempt to alternate between opposing viewpoints.
   - If someone states something that has either been refuted earlier or is
   incompatible with club policy, regulations or constitution, you may raise a
   point of order. To raise a point of order, stand up from your seat and say
   "point of order". After the chair defers to you, state your point of order
   to the chair.
   - If you are uncertain about a policy or procedure, you may raise a
   point of information. The chair will either respond to you question or will
   defer to someone more familiar with the policy or procedure.
   - When you make a motion, you do not state the reasons for the motion.
   You must state the motion, it must be seconded, and then the chair will ask
   for clarifications and ensure the motion is correctly recorded. The first
   speaker for the debate that follows is the maker of the motion, who may
   then state the reason for the motion.

There are a number of other rules that are a part of Robert's Rules (see
http://www.rulesonline.com/), but the above is a (very) condensed version.
I'll be happy to elaborate further either in person or on Thursday.

Kind regards,
Tom Almeida [THA]
UCC Treasurer
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