Robert's Rules Cheat Sheet
Robert's Rules Cheat Sheet
Embedded Files
You don't have to fight for a better world alone. Join Tucson DSA and organize with us.
Tucson DSA conducts official chapter business according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR). RONR is a widely used series of parliamentary procedures that ensure meetings are conducted fairly, transparently, and without denying access to viewpoints in the minority.
Business is conducted at meetings by (1) following the agenda and (2) making motions. A motion is a means of putting business before the membership for consideration.
You can make a motion as follows:
Address the meeting chair
Be recognized by the chair
State your motion
Have your motion seconded
The chair states the motion
The motion is debated (where applicable)
The chair puts the question to the membership
The members vote
If you want to
You say
Do you need a second?
What happens next?
Ask about what’s being debated
Point of information
No
The chair will hear your question and answer, or recognize a person who can answer.
Bring up a technical issue or problem with how the meeting is being conducted
Point of privilege
No
The chair will hear your point and make a ruling.
Ask a question about the rules
Parliamentary inquiry
No
The chair may confer with a parliamentarian (authority on these rules) and will give their opinion.
Point out that the rules aren’t being followed
Point of order
No
The chair will hear your point and make a ruling.
End debate and vote now
Motion to Call the Question
Yes
If ⅔ of the assembly agrees to vote, we proceed to a vote.
End debate without voting
Motion to Postpone the Question Until [_______]
Yes
Debate over motion to postpone begins.
Offer an amendment to a proposed bylaw change or political resolution
Motion to Amend by [striking and/or adding specific language*]*please have this ready
Yes
The chair reads how the amended proposal would appear, and debate begins
Give members more time to debate
Motion to Extend Debate by ____ Minutes
Yes
We don’t debate this — just vote yes or no — unless someone offers an amendment to how much time.
Pause the meeting
Motion to recess until [time]
Yes
We don’t debate this — just vote yes or no — unless someone offers an amendment to how much time.
End the meeting before the scheduled time
Motion to adjourn
Yes
If ⅔ of the assembly votes yes, we’re done.
Page updated
Report abuse