Meeting Mechanics - Lesson 3 - Review - Meeting mechanics track
Amend, refer, postpone, and table
Referencing the content of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised with contrasts noted in the minority report
The most common tools members use to improve, defer, or redirect a motion already on the floor.
Chapter outline
- Simple amendment flow
- Committee referral flow
When sources disagree (2 topics to verify before you teach from this chapter alone)
Showing Meeting mechanics track material. Switch tracks on the chapter page.
Vocabulary · 6
amend
To propose a change to the wording or effect of a pending motion.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
refer
To send a matter to a committee or smaller group for study or drafting.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
postpone to a certain time
To delay consideration until a specified meeting or time.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
postpone indefinitely
To dispose of a main motion without a direct vote on the merits.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
lay on the table
To set aside a matter temporarily because something more urgent must be handled first.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
subsidiary motion
A motion that changes how the pending question is treated.
SourceSubsidiary motions including amendment, referral, postponement, and laying on the table.
Sequences · 2
- Simple amendment flow — Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.
- Committee referral flow — Practice the flow until you can explain it without the screen.