Budget issues are not fun. In an informal setting (and more comfortable too) you could discuss each item before voting on. I'm getting ahead of myself. What we have done is list for the members our immediate budget issues (office supplies, copy costs, stuff you know you will need to spend money on) then the programs you wan to do. We like to get our parents to agree to a time limit of no more than ten minutes on each issue to keep the night from dragging on. We have even tabled items when discussion became....heated (something like that ).
I like a little formality to keep the members on their toes and the importance of our meeting. Oh you bet half the time they all say sounds good to us, the Prez calls for a vote and we laugh! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Thanks mykidsmom and Michelle B! I'm <Emilysmom> but I'm registered now.
This will be the first year that we are holding the general membership meeting directly before Back to School Night. Typically, we've help the first general membership meeting a week after BTSN. Hopefully, we'll get a better turn out.
Anyway, I would prefer to keep things informal because that's the type of person I am. [img]smile.gif[/img]
I like the added info but wouldn't you discuss the topic say the budget prior to getting it seconded?
Roberts actually allows for a bit of informality when groups are small. For example, you may not have to have a motion seconded to put it to a vote. So you could even eliminate that step. Roberts is most effective in it's formality when you have a large and often times differing ideas, to keep things friendly and calm. If you have large attendance at the general membership meetings and people tend to ramble on and on and... well you get the picture, then you can add the steps (after the second)
Is there any discussion?
No- move on to the vote
Yes- give a total time limit for discussion (10-20 minutes) with a 2 minute per person, two times to speak option (with a time keeper to keep things flowing) When time is up, it's up, unless someone moves to extend the time limit and it's voted to do so. Someone can also end all discussion by calling for the vote, in which case, if anyone is on the list to speak and the vote is called, too bad... It can be frustrating but it can put an end to lengthy debates.
I can give you more if you need it but I don't want to overwhelm you (if I haven't already:)
Hi everyone! I'm new to this site and think it's great!
I have kind of a silly question. :confused: I know I should read Robert's Rules but can someone tell me the wording for calling for a vote. What I've said in the past is
Do I hear a motion to ___?
Do I hear a second?
All in favor?
All opposed?
I'm not so worried about the formality in our executive board meetings as I am about it at the general membership meetings...
).
